People urged to donate their unwanted bikes

People are being invited to donate any unwanted bikes at a special event at Harplands Hospital on Thursday 1 August.

The bike recycling scheme hopes to collect, upcycle and refurbish bikes which will then be made available to disadvantaged families in the area.

The day is being organised by Staffordshire County Council and North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust as part of celebrations for the national Cycle to Work day campaign.

Members of the ‘INTO Newcastle’ team who promote active travel in Newcastle will also be at the event.  Their dedicated team of coaches provide advice and support for people interested in using more active modes of travel. They provide free and fun activities to improve health and wellbeing for adults across the district.  Activities include coach-led walks, bike rides, training and one-to-one sessions all tailored to different levels of physical ability to suit each participant.

Staffordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Climate Change, Simon Tagg, said: “We’re delighted to be a part of this project to upcycle old bikes.

“It’s a win, win situation. Not only does it help local families, but it also helps reduce the amount of waste ending up in landfill which is one of our priorities.  It’s important to give families the opportunity to get into activities such as cycling to not only improve health and well-being but also to cut down on emissions from car fumes.”

Liz Mellor, Chief Strategy Officer at North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “This week we’re supporting national Cycle to Work Day on 1 August as part of our NHS commitment to reaching carbon net zero. Travel and Transport constitutes the second highest area of emissions across the trust, producing an estimated 194 tonnes of CO2 each year.

“We are always looking for opportunities to partner with local organisations and communities, so as part of Cycle to Work Day, we are working with Staffordshire County Council to encourage colleagues to donate their old bikes, which will be upcycled and donated to families across Staffordshire.”

The Bike to Work event will take place from 9am to 1pm in the main carpark at the hospital.  People should look out for the blue gazebo.  People who can’t make it on the day are also reminded that unwanted bikes can also be donated at any of Staffordshire’s recycling centres.