A Colchester charity that ships bikes to poor people in Africa has been given a huge helping hand.
Re-Cycle, of East Street, Colchester, has gained the support of a London bike retailer, which has offered to collect unwanted bikes in the capital.
Re-Cycle is a charity that takes unwanted bikes and ships them out to countries in Africa, where they can be used as a much needed, cheap and sustainable form of transport.
Bike and part supplier Action Bikes has now offered to set up bike collection points at its five stores in the capital, which will mean even more bikes can be sent to those who need them.
Re-Cycle was set up in 1998 and has sent nearly 40,000 unwanted bikes to 16 different African countries.
The charity’s founder Merlin Matthews said: “We are delighted with Action Bike’s generous help. Logistics is a big issue for us, and their acting as collection points will really benefit.
“We look forward to an long and mutually beneficial relationship. Our African partners will transform lives with the donated bikes and parts.
“In Britain, millions of bikes are thrown away or lie unused in sheds, whilst many people in Africa have no access to transport of any kind. People spend hours each day walking to collect water, firewood or to access health care, school and employment.
“A bicycle cuts travel time to a fraction and can carry passengers and heavy loads. Bikes give families the extra time to earn, learn and enjoy life.”