Bike recycling scheme transforms lives and supports local schools
Tuesday, 23 December 2025
Our innovative Bike Recycling Scheme is transforming lives across the area – helping residents access employment, improve wellbeing, and develop essential life skills, while promoting sustainability.
The scheme is delivered through the Cycle Hub at Linmere, which is funded by developer Section 106 contributions. As part of its work, the hub refurbishes donated bikes for redistribution to those who need them most. It also sells bikes, with profits reinvested to cover repair costs and keep the initiative running.
Since launching in July 2025, following the opening of the Cycle Hub in April 2025, the scheme has already donated 35 bikes to individuals and schools, including Esland Bedford School, Pix Brook Academy, and Toddington St. George Lower School. A further batch of bikes is currently being refurbished and prepared for donation.
Councillor Tracey Wye, our Executive Member for Sustainability and Climate Resilience, said:
This is a fantastic scheme that works on so many levels. Donated bikes are getting a new lease of life, creating jobs, providing people with free transport and exercise, cutting the environmental impact of travel and, most of all, bringing joy and opportunity to people who didn't have a bike before. It’s wonderful to see the positive impact on individuals and schools across Central Bedfordshire.
Through the scheme, donated bikes are refurbished and given to those who need them most. Social workers have shared powerful testimonials about the impact:
The bike was immensely useful. The young person had found employment that was too far away, and public transport was not very frequent. The bike enabled him to start work, reconnect with friends, and save money on travel.
The bike has been such a huge help for the young person. It’s really light, which makes a massive difference when she’s travelling on the train every day, and it’s so comfortable to ride. She’s genuinely very grateful for the support.
A young lady I support was recently given a bike through the recycling scheme. It has been a huge help as she struggles with her mental health. Having her bike now lets her go out, get exercise and fresh air, and most importantly, gets her out of her own head for a while.
Local schools are also benefiting. Esland Bedford School recently received seven reconditioned bikes, giving students the chance to learn safe riding skills. A spokesperson said:
Christmas has come early for many students, some of whom have never learnt to ride. They can now embark on their journey to maintaining and learning safe riding as an essential life skill. Students will undertake Bikeability training arranged by the council in the new year.
Pix Brook Academy also expressed its gratitude:
We are so grateful as a school that you have donated the bikes. Not only will they help to keep our students active, but it will also allow them to develop their independence.
Additional donations have been made to Toddington St. George Lower School, with more planned for other schools in the area.
Upcoming events
Residents can donate unwanted bikes at the following events:
- Linmere Hub (LU5 5GX) – 3 January, from 11am to 2pm
- Biggleswade Saxon Leisure Centre – 31 January, from 11am to 2pm
If you received a new bike for Christmas and need to dispose of an old one, book your slot through The Cycling Hub – Linmere.
Bikeability training
Bikeability training Level 2 is available for all year 5 and 6 pupils in Central Bedfordshire. If your child’s school hasn’t yet taken part, please encourage them to do so.
Bikeability equips children with vital life skills – not only learning to cycle, but gaining independence, confidence, and wellbeing. After training, pupils are better at responding to risk and more likely to cycle to school, improving mental health and reducing congestion.