COUNCIL ANNOUNCES ITS DONATE A BIKE SCHEME IS BACK ON THE ROAD

A donate a bike scheme which helped steer young people away from unemployment is back on the road once again.

Salford City Council launched the Riding to Success scheme last year to train young people how to refurbish and maintain donated bikes to bring them back into circulation.

Councillor Jim Cammell, lead member for children’s and young people’s services,  said:

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“The aim of the scheme is to teach young people a skill for life – and give them a qualification which can help towards finding employment. It also keeps them focused on learning and training to avoid them drifting into unemployment.

“Of the 29 young people who took part 22 went straight on to further studies, apprenticeships, traineeships and volunteering while others continued to explore where they wanted to go. 

“The public were very generous and we were able to repair 39 donated bikes. Eighteen bikes are now being used by young people who took part in the scheme, two were repaired and returned to their owners and the remainder were donated to families and young care leavers. The young people also helped repair and service bikes for Springwood school as part of the scheme.

“I hope the public will be generous this year and support the scheme.”

 

The six week courses are open to 16 to 18 year olds who are not in education, employment or training and will take place in Little Hulton, Walkden Swinton, Eccles and Salford Quays. Full details can be found at www.salford.gov.uk/donateabike

Salford City Council is working with Access Sport, The Urban Fitness Collective (Tuf*C) and BikeRight! to provide the courses.

Both adult and children’s bikes which can easily be repaired can  be donated until Friday 25 June. Please email Jordi.matthews@salford.gov.uk to arrange free collection.