New scheme aims to collect 450 unused bikes to help Leicestershire children learn cycling
A new scheme is aiming to collect 450 unused bikes in a bid to help children across Leicestershire learn cycling.
More than 30 schools across the county are taking part in this Bike Bank initiative, with pupils aged nine to 13 set to be loaned refurbished bikes, that they can use to help build confidence and skills on the equipment.
Bikes can be dropped off at a variety of locations over the festive period, and into the New Year, with donated bikes set to be refurbished during workshops held at Rutland Prison.
Bikes can be dropped off at the Joules head office at The Barn on Rockingham Road in Market Harborough between 1pm and 3pm on Wednesday January 7, and are being collected from bike shops and homes in Lutterworth throughout the day on both Thursday January 8 and Friday January 16.
They can also be dropped off at the Choose How You Move gazebo in the visitor car park at County Hall in Glenfield between 8am and 9am, midday and 1pm and 4pm and 5pm on January 5 and January 7.
Bikes can also be donated at bike shops across the county between December 29 and January 8, including Lutterworth Cycle Shop, Specialized at Fosse Park, Melton Recycles and PedalPower in Loughborough.
The scheme is being run by Active Together, and it is hoped training sessions for pupils can be launched in March 2026.
Leicestershire County Council’s lead member for highways and transport Cllr Adam Tilbury said: “After Christmas, many families have new bikes and older ones sitting unused.
“Donating those bikes in this way means local children and young people who might otherwise miss out can learn a skill that stays with them for life.
“Cycling can open doors to further education, jobs and opportunities, as well as helping young people stay active, feel confident and healthy.”