Pedal power project is on the road to success
BROKEN bikes and bike parts have been donated as part of a project to give people from deprived communities the opportunity to cycle.
Staff at Cera Cycloan, a cycling and education initiative based at Swallow Mill on Higher Hillgate in Stockport, described the response as ‘phenomenal.’
They ran a range of cycling activities as part of Cycling UK’s nationwide campaign, The Big Bike Revival.
Brian Pendlebury, director of Cera Cycloan said: “We’ve been blown away with this year’s Big Bike Revival. We’ve seen 60 to 70 new people through the door, lots of customers buying refurbished bikes, using our Dr Bike checks or looking for repairs plus a greater number of people knowing we’re here – it’s been brilliant.”
Originally the Cycloan project was working within the youth justice arena, but the company is going from strength to strength, ensuring their cycling activities are accessible to anybody.
Brian added: “We’ve always found young people love reviving bikes, they take an interest in learning about bike repairs, which starts during Big Bike Revival but continues long after.”
Cera Cycloan supports community events, provides cycle maintenance courses and even offers upcycling sessions.
Brian said: “We received a referral to help a local man get back to work by providing him with a bike for transport. When he came to see us, it turned out he was new to the area and feeling incredibly lonely.
“By spending time with him, making him feel really welcome, giving him practical tips and cycle rides he could get involved in, all made a big difference. He said he felt that he wasn’t alone.”
For more information about upcoming cycle events, visit www.cyclinguk.org/uk-cycling-events.