Unwanted bikes given a new lease of life

A batch of 20 refurbished bikes have found new homes thanks to a collaboration project between SWISCo (a Torbay Council company), HMP Channings Wood, Weston College, and Torbay Leisure centre.

Bikes that are brought to the household waste and recycling centre in Torbay for disposal are sent to HMP Channings Wood where they are refurbished as part of a cycle maintenance programme.

The programme enables prisoners to gain new valuable skills and training in bike maintenance, providing more job opportunities after release.

The course at HMP Channings Wood is delivered by Weston College as part of its Offender Learning Provision. The programme provides offenders with vocational and transferable skills by providing teaching and support to enable learners to achieve their full potential.

Once the bikes are refurbished, they are delivered to Torbay Leisure Centre to be sold. Each bike costs £20 and the money raised from the sale of the bikes is re-invested back into the project. The money is then used to purchase spare parts allowing for more bikes to be refurbished and used again.

When bikes become available for sale, they will be advertised on Torbay Leisure Centre’s social media.

Councillor Mike Morey, Cabinet Member for Infrastructure. Environment, and Culture, said: “Cycling provides a more sustainable way to travel and is a good way to keep fit and healthy.  This scheme is a great opportunity to help provide re-vamped affordable bikes to the residents of Torbay whilst supporting vocational skills to offenders.

“Thank you to all the partners for continuing to support the project and help to give unwanted bikes a new lease of life.”