Recycling bikes
Just Cycle is a recycled bike scheme in the Scottish Borders which aims to give a new lease of life to unwanted bikes.
What happens to unwanted bikes in the Scottish Borders?
Currently, the metal parts of most bikes taken to our community recycling centres (CRCs) are recycled, though non-metal parts such as tyres can and do end up in landfill.
Recycled bike schemes reduce waste and make the best use of materials which previously would have been discarded, making cycling more affordable and therefore accessible to greater numbers of people.
What is the purpose of Just Cycle?
The Just Cycle initiative will:
- reduce the number of bikes being thrown away
- encourage the uptake of cycling by people of all ages
- create training and apprenticeship opportunities
- support and promote bikeability training in schools
- support people to maintain their own bikes
- promote health and wellbeing
- make cycling more affordable
- encourage and support volunteering across all ages
- further promote the region as a top destination for cycling
The scheme requires support from the local community. A small group has been established with future meetings planned.
Bikes and time donated
Bikes have already been donated from members of the public through a number of sources including:
- Home Basics
- Waverley Housing Association
Diamond Cycles have provided bike maintenance training to members of the Galashiels Men's Shed, who are involved with the project.
How to donate your unwanted bikes
Galashiels and Selkirk recycling centres are allowing people to take their bikes for recycling through this initiative. This is a pilot and if successful will be rolled out to other recycling centres across the Scottish Borders.
For more information or to offer comments or suggestions, contact the Just Cycle team.