Bike charity gears up with funding boost

A North East cycling charity is set to expand its community impact after securing fresh funding.

Recyke y’Bike, based in Byker, has received backing from LNER’s Customer and Community Investment Fund to enhance its work refurbishing and redistributing bicycles.

The charity, established in 2006, restores donated bikes that would otherwise go to landfill, with 3500 processed in the past year alone. 

It also promotes cycling as an affordable and sustainable form of transport while supporting physical and mental wellbeing.

Funding has helped expand key initiatives, including a Bike MOT scheme offering free repairs and a Supported Volunteer Scheme for refugees and asylum seekers, providing opportunities to gain skills and confidence.

The investment has also enabled the purchase of new tools, supporting volunteers to build 300 children’s bikes for local communities.

Fran Welsh, charitable operations manager at Recyke y’Bike, said: “A bike is not just a form of transport – it can be a transformative tool. 

“Cycling builds independence, confidence, and connection, plus being an environmentally friendly way to travel. 

“Our free bike MOT workshops help to make sure people stay safe and mobile, while our Supported Volunteers Scheme gives people the opportunity to gain a qualification. 

“Our involvement doesn’t end when people receive a bike or training from us, they become part of our community which provides ongoing support for as long as it’s needed.”

Rachael Wilson, community investment manager for LNER, added: “LNER is proud to support the transformational work that Recyke y’Bike carries out. 

“The team is not only giving bikes a second life but also giving people new opportunities. 

“Whether it’s teaching young people transferable skills, helping refugees and asylum seekers to feel connected, or supporting women to learn to ride and maintain their bikes, the charity is making a real difference.”

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