~ Two Bike Projects In Devon

There are two community bike reuse projects currently happening in Exeter. Both the ‘Bike Bank’ and ‘Ride On’ aim to get more people cycling and provide affordable bikes. ‘Ride On’ charity offer basic bike maintenance sessions to help people develop skills and confidence. We also offer free rider confidence coaching, group rides with qualified ride leaders, and we sell reconditioned bikes. All our bikes are fully serviced, cleaned and ready to ride away. Our knowledgeable team can offer advice and guidance to make sure you choose the right bike for your needs. Come and visit us at our workshop here on the historic quayside in Exeter. We welcome volunteers from administration to fund raising or preparing our reconditioned bikes. Or can you donate a bike. Ride On workshop opens each Thursday 2pm to 8pm & each Saturday 11am to 5pm. Regular courses are held at Ride On, 61 Haven Rd, Exeter, Devon EX2 8DP, UK. See www.rideoncycling.org. Contact Adam on 07762 237916

Exeter Bike Bank project is a supportive workshop environment where vulnerable adults can learn practical skills in refurbishing bikes for the benefit of others, becoming trainee bike mechanics. They offer refurbished bikes to people on low incomes using a voucher system similar to that used by Food Banks. It’s a project of Exeter Community Initiatives. ‘We are currently open for two days a week in a shop in the Harlequins Centre and working on securing additional funds to enable us to operate for longer.’ The running of the project is supported by volunteer mechanics who mentor others to learn how to refurbish bikes. We also have salvaged bike parts that can be re-used for home repairs or for creative and technical projects. We will be offering drop in sessions where people can bring in their own bikes and learn some basic skills to help maintain them. www.facebook.com/BikeBankDevon, or contact Andy Richardson on: 07527 363938 or email: bikebank@eci.org.uk