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Ride On – Cycling for All and Exeter Community Initiatives (ECI) have teamed up to run the ECI’s Bike Bank project from Ride On’s base at Exeter Quay.
The aim of Bike Bank is to create a supportive workshop where vulnerable adults can learn practical skills in refurbishing bikes, both for their own benefit and for that of others. Ride On – a charity that is passionate about getting more people riding affordable bikes more often – will provide the ‘hands- on’ training in a supportive environment.
“Ride On is incredibly excited to be working with ECI to help bring Bike Bank to our workshop at Exeter Quay,” says Will Page, Head of Administration & Partnerships.
“Cycling isn’t just a form of transport- it’s great for people’s physical and mental health, as well as tackling the climate emergency by reducing carbon emissions.
“Working on this project in partnership with ECI, we’ll be able to boost people’s confidence by teaching them how to fix bikes as part of our Ride On community. This will aid their independence, save them money, and help them achieve their personal goals.
“We look forward to developing Bike Bank with ECI and are determined that it goes from strength to strength.”
Exeter Community Initiatives helps people facing poverty, inequality and homelessness get their lives back on track. They recognised that an increasing number of people wanted to be involved in meaningful occupations but there were few opportunities. Despite having extremely high needs themselves, people still want the chance to do something for others.
“Bike Bank is a highly valued project and it was a hard decision to close it last September, whilst we looked for further funding. So, we are extremely excited that we are once again in the position to re-start Bike Bank, and in partnership with a fantastic charity in Ride On,” says Carole Pilley, ECI Development Manager.
“We work with a variety of people who need the opportunity to do something constructive with their time. Angus, who has mental health issues, found that our course helped increase his confidence and that the emphasis on practical skills helped improve his focus and concentration.
“At the heart of the project it is about sharing practical skills and it doesn’t matter what level of education you have or what has gone on in your life – it is about working on a bike, so it is a great leveller. Ride On are totally passionate about bikes and cycling and have great facilities. We are sure our Trainee Mechanics will gain a huge amount from working with them.”
To find out more about the ECI/Ride On Trainee Workshop Programme which offers practical skills in bike repair contact Jane Hawking on 07547 958156 or go to the ECI website https://www.eci.org.uk/ or the Ride On website www.rideoncycling.org
Ride On source pre-loved bikes, recycle them to donate and sell back to the local community using volunteers and qualified mechanics. Ride On also runs its own basic bike maintenance courses, Ready to Ride sessions for key workers, women only sessions and organises group rides. To find out more about Ride On take a look at the website or email [email protected]
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Notes for editors
Ride On – Cycling for All is a local charity based at Exeter Quay that recycles unwanted bicycles and helps make cycling safe, enjoyable, and accessible to everyone. Ride On has a vision for a cleaner healthier and more active Exeter. The aim of Ride On is to get more people on affordable bikes, whilst offering education and training to keep them on the move, improve mental and physical health and wellbeing through cycling and contribute to a reduction in CO2 emissions.
61 Haven Road Exeter EX2 8DP
Contact 07544 14749
Ride On – Cycling for All is registered with the Charity Commission: No.1174055