Bringing bike recycling to Birmingham.
Cycling, and bikes are a big part of what we do at The Active Wellbeing Society (TAWS), so we’re delighted to be taking that work further with the Big Bike Upcycle Revolution. This project will launch at Sustainability Sunday on the 18th of June, an event we’re running at the Warehouse Café in Digbeth. We want to save bikes from landfill, or take in those that aren’t being used, to give them a second life with someone who can make good use of them. The project is funded by Sport England through our local delivery pilot work.
The Big Bike UpCycle Revolution scheme is funded by Sport England through our Active Communities LDP.
Applicants will need to live within an eligible area to receive a bike, be aged 16 plus and hold a Wellbeing Card – parents can apply on behalf of children aged under 16.
There are lots of reasons for recycling bikes, firstly, environmental. More cycling could mean less carbon emissions, noise pollution, and potentially even roads. Taking in unused bikes and recycling them means they’re saved from landfill, and we can work towards a sustainable eco-system. It’s hoped more being available and, in the system, will help encourage active travel and improve the physical and mental wellbeing of the people that use them. All our activities are free, including this one, the recycled bikes will be redistributed, removing any cost barriers.
Getting more people cycling could help across policy areas too. It’ll be important in the move to make Birmingham a greener city and reach its goal of net zero by 2030. It could help more people think about recycling, and travelling in a different way, with the bonus of less time being wasted in traffic jams. Providing transport that is free, and active, can also help with levelling up more deprived areas across the city, removing barriers and improving connectivity.
How to Get involved
We’re taking in any adult’s or children’s bikes, in a reasonable condition, and they can be dropped off at several locations. Anyone with a bike to donate can bring it to the TAWS head office in Tyseley (Hay Hall Manor), the Ladywood Share Shack, either of the weekly Cycle Fix-It sessions, and any Sustainability Sunday events for the remainder of the year. We’d also welcome any volunteers who may be able to help us with the project.
Anyone interested in volunteering can apply by email here.
Adult bikes – please complete individually for each person over 16 in your household that is interested in hearing about bikes.
Child bikes – if you have more than four children, please enter details for the four oldest.
Please note pictures are for illustrative purposes only and other bikes of a similar style may be offered in our giveaways:
