A POPULAR scheme which transforms redundant bikes into fantastic Christmas presents for children is returning to Middlesbrough.
The Christmas Bike Swap – held at the Middlesbrough Bike Academy in Albert Park – has been hugely popular over the last three years.
It’s a chance to trade in unwanted bikes, and maybe even pick up a special Christmas present.
This year’s drop-in sessions at the Academy take place on Tuesday, December 8 and Thursday, December 10.
The Bike Academy receives many donated bikes which, as part of the ‘cycle recycle’ programme, are restored by residents of Middlesbrough who get to keep the bikes and gain a qualification in the process.
However, the Academy also receives a number of children’s bikes which could simply go to waste if not repaired and put back into use.
This year there are 25 bikes suitable for children aged three to 11. All of these have been up-cycled and safety checked by qualified mechanics.
Last year 40 bikes were successfully recycled back into the community, including some bikes that were ‘swapped’ into the project by residents on the day.
Cycle Projects Co-ordinator Mike O’Reilly, who works for Middlesbrough Environment City, said: “We came up with the idea of a drop-in session to enable local people to bring along bikes which have been outgrown or have fallen into disrepair and swap them for recycled bikes.
“Because the scheme has been so successful over the past three years it was an obvious choice to run it again this year.
“I would urge anyone who has a child relative and wants to get a recycled bike for them to come along. Recycled bikes are also available for those that don’t have a bike to swap.”
This year’s Christmas Bike Swap drop-in sessions take place at the Bike Academy in the West Lodge at Albert Park on Tuesday, December 8 and Thursday, December 10 from 10am to 3pm.
For more information, contact Middlesbrough Environment City on 01642 243183.
