MAYOR of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Brian Tierney, has urged local people to do their bit for the planet by donating pre-loved bikes to New2You at Pennyburn Recycling Centre.
Donated bikes will be safely recycled and reused as part of Bike Week which takes place from Sunday 30th May until Sunday 6th June.
It is being run as a pilot by Zero Waste North West, New2You, North West Greenway Network, The Bike General, and Derry City and Strabane District Council and is part of our new designation as a Zero Waste City Region.
A sample of the bikes rescued and ready for sale will be on display in Ebrington on Saturday 5th June as part of a day of activities hosted by The North West Greenway Network.
Welcoming the initiative, Mayor Tierney said: “It is fantastic to see this collaboration and common purpose amongst local groups to improve people’s access to bikes and to rescuing these from landfill.
“This really is our circular economy strategy in practice, and I would encourage anyone with an unused bike lying about the house to donate it as it would make the world of difference to someone who is going without.
“I’d also urge people to get out and about on their bikes, whether it be for commuting or leisure, enjoying the quality greenway network we have on our doorstep.”
Jim Keys from Zero Waste North West added: “The physical, mental and environmental health benefits of cycling have long been evident.
“If you’ve ever tried it, you will still know the thrill of suddenly achieving balance between your body, the bike and the earth and you were cycling!
“Gliding seemingly effortlessly as the seat takes your weight. Moving at speed, hovering between earth and sky.
“It’s exhilarating!
“Despite what bikes promise and deliver, sadly all too often they end up neglected, abandoned to the elements, rusting away in back yards and garden sheds.
“Their vocation wasted!
“During this Bike Week we are asking citizens to bring their pre-loved bikes to New 2 You, Pennyburn where our members will collect them, get them safety checked and bring them back to life ready for sale.”
Bikes can be left at New2You at Pennyburn Recycling Centre between 2pm and 4pm, Monday to Friday.
For further information see: zerowastenw.org
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