Getting on their bikes for project
Linlithgow’s first community bike refurbishing project is racing ahead.
Thanks to a partnership between the town’s 1st Step Cafe community group and Police Scotland, volunteers will soon be getting old bikes back in action and providing training and work opportunities for local people who have struggled with addictions.
The project, which is based out of the old Police Scotland garages in Linlithgow, aims to work with people affected by addiction by providing six-week bike refurbishing training courses.
They plan to give old and unwanted bicycles the TLC they need to get them on the road and in the future, make sustainably refurbished bikes available to the community.
For the public it will be a great way to get out and about on an affordable bicycle and for the volunteers who are doing the work, it’s a fantastic way to gain new skills and grow in confidence.
The 1st Step group also runs the popular 1 Step café which helps people who have had problems with addictions, mainly with alcohol and drugs, to help themselves and support each other.
Local community practice nurse Angie Robinson said: “Anyone can be affected by addictions at some time in their lives and addictions have huge impacts for individuals, families and communities.
“At 1st Step we’re all about getting people together to provide a positive environment, where they can support each other and work together, and make a real difference to themselves, each other and the wider community.”
Inspector Scott Robertson, Linlithgow community policing inspector said Police Scotland happy to be working in partnership with 1st step to support the project.
“Police Scotland are delighted that they are able to assist by offering previously unused premises,” he said.
“If the dedication and effort of all those involved in getting this project up and running is anything to go by, then this project is likely to be very successful.”
Steven McKnight, one of the volunteers in charge of the workshop, added: “Hundreds of unwanted bikes are unnecessarily scrapped in West Lothian every year and we want to get as many of possible out of the dump, and on the road. Because of their history, older bikes are unique.
“They just need someone to see the potential, and have the motivation to do a bit of work to bring them back into use.”
The new bike refurbishing project will provide opportunities for volunteers to develop skills and contribute positively to the local community. Maria Throp, development manager from the 1 Step group, said: “The volunteers are up and running now, training and refurbishing old bikes to give them a new lease of life. So if you have an old bike cluttering up your shed that you’d like to donate and give a new start – or you’re looking for a refurbished bike that’s just right for you, get in touch.
“Many of our volunteers are affected by addiction but we warmly welcome anyone who’s interested in bikes and cycling. It’s a fun place to volunteer, with lots of opportunities to gain skills and make friends. We’re always looking for new volunteers, so why not check out our Facebook page for updates and opportunities to get involved.”
The group are working on a number of bikes, and are hoping to hold their first sale in the new year. Visit Facebook for more information. The 1 Step café meets in Longcroft Hall in Linlithgow every Tuesday from 12.30 to 3pm.
Police Scotland are delighted that they are able to assist