New Bicycle Scheme in Blyth

WATBike are delighted to announce that they have received funding from the Community Foundation to supply bicycles to people in under-privileged areas of South-East Northumberland.

Working predominantly around Ashington, Blyth and Newbiggin by the Sea, the aim is for 125 cycles to be re-homed over a twelve-month period with people in need of a bike for work, physical wellbeing or mental health.  The grant has been awarded from the “Vital Community Fund”, which encourages green and sustainable projects.

The bikes given away will have been donated by members of the public and then refurbished at WATBike’s Kirkley workshops, using recycled and new parts – saving bikes from scrap and landfill.  WATBike’s volunteer workforce of mechanics will play a huge part in the project, carrying out all the initial work.  As well as bikes for adults, WATBike will be holding special events at targeted times of the year – for example, Christmas – when the organisation will be giving away children’s bikes, too.

The project has numerous benefits:

• Helping people in areas of deprivation around Northumberland
• Promoting activity without harming the environment
• Promoting the advantages of cycling for mental health & fitness
• Helping those to travel to shops or maybe to seek work
• Helping those to go to work who otherwise would not be able via public transport
• Saving bikes from scrap/landfill
• Giving volunteers a sense of involvement for a great cause

WATBike will be working with other charity partners in SE Northumberland to ensure bikes go to the right recipients.  Referrals from Community Support Officers, medical professionals, charities and other organisations will be invited.  

If you have any unwanted bikes or equipment, WATBike will be  grateful for donations and they are also looking for volunteers to help with the project.

If you would like any further information regarding the project, please email Claire Blake, at WATBike, on email; cycling@watbus.org.uk