This December, the newly formed Active Travel Alliance have once again joined forces to support our community by collecting and redistributing unwanted kids bikes amongst families in need, in time for Christmas.
An official donation event, hosted by Derby Cathedral, will take place on Saturday 11 December, 11.00am to 3.00pm where the public are being asked to bring along unwanted kids bikes in good condition, to be rehomed amongst children across Derby. Thanks to a social media campaign promoting the event, a significant number of bikes have already been received.
The initiative is a collaborative effort, being organised and run by Active Travel partners from across the city; Cycle Derby, Sustrans, Life Cycle UK and Derby City Council’s Connected, with the valued support of Derby Cathedral. Life Cycle UK and Cycle Derby are ensuring all donated bikes are fit for purpose and Sustrans and Connected are working on the redistribution amongst families and community groups.
The event will not only be a hub to collect any unwanted cycles, the team, will also be available to showcase the breadth of offers available to the public to support active travel in and around the city. From cycle repairs, information on cycle training and purchasing inexpensive; reliable 2nd hand bikes, personalised route planning; grants, incentives for businesses; inclusive fleet demonstrations and lots more. So even if you do not have a bike to donate, the public are being urged to come along and find out more about how they can be supported to travel more sustainably.
Derby Cathedral’s congregational community have generously donated £150 which will go towards providing cycle helmets for children receiving a bike. Helmets will be purchased from Moore Large, who, in addition to contributing transportation to the project, will also be donating an additional 12 new helmets.
Catriona Munn from Derby Cathedral said:
“We are thrilled to be part of this project which will see children across the city, who wouldn’t otherwise have access to a bicycle, receive one this Christmas. The physical and mental benefits of cycling and walking are well-known and we are delighted to be able to support the teams at Cycle Derby, Life Cycle UK, Sustrans and Connected to share their knowledge and expertise with the public.”
Councillor Ross McCristal Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Leisure, Culture and Tourism said:
“This is a great programme and I’m delighted the Council has been able to support it alongside our partners. We are committed to developing our active travel programme and to continually improve our offer for cyclists around the city.
“Cycling is such a great way to get active and stay healthy and it is a real thrill for us to be able to give bikes to those children who may not otherwise be able to have one.”
For those who can’t make 11 December, there are two additional drop-off time slots for anyone wanting to donate. From 09.30am to 11.00am on Saturday 27 November and Saturday 4 December, Cycle Derby will be available at their Hub at Markeaton Park to receive your bikes.
For further information on the services offered by the partners for this event, please visit the following websites; Cycle Derby, Lifecycle UK, Sustrans, Derby Connected, and Derby Cathedral