New life for old bikes
Published Thursday 29th April 10 in Council - news and information releases news
Retired pedal bikes can look forward to being re-tyred and rejuvenated when Southend’s new and improved ReCycle Centre reopens next week.
The Centre, at 2 Brunel Road, Eastwood, restores unwanted bicycles which have seen better days and sells them back to the public at low cost.
The official reopening will be carried out by the Worshipful the Mayor of Southend, Councillor Brian Smith, and the Mayoress Mrs Lyn Smith.
Face painting, a barbecue and lots of other fun family activities will also be taking place to mark the relaunch at 10.30am on Saturday 8th May.
Andrew Lewis, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Corporate Director for Enterprise , Tourism and the Environment, said: "We have expanded and renovated the original ReCycle Centre.
"This means we can now hold cycle maintenance classes there in addition to providing other new facilities such as an on-site meeting room.
"We are always looking for more old bikes to refresh so we would welcome donations from people who no longer need or want their old machines.
"Volunteers at our ReCycle Centre will lovingly restore them and make sure they are put to good use.
"The centre is always looking for more help, so if people can offer their time as a volunteer or just have an old, unused bicycle to donate they would be delighted to hear from you."
Meanwhile, Cycle Southend is running a 'Back in the Saddle' campaign aimed at people who have not cycled for a while but who would like to get back on their bikes.
Group rides are being held twice a month from 7pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the summer.
Mr Lewis said: "We'll be promoting the social aspect of cycling rather than focusing on speed or training. It is a great way to gain confidence on a bike, meet new people and get fit for summer."
Forthcoming rides, all of which start at 7pm, will take place on:
- Thu 13th May - Mountain Bike Madness, John Burrows Park to Belfairs
- Wed 26th May - Countryside Ride, Shoebury Station to Barling Magna
- Thu 10th June - Get Fit for Summer, Southend Pier to Leigh
- Wed 26th June - Eastwood Experience, ReCycle Centre to Hockley Woods
- Thu 15th July - King of the Castle, Leigh Station to Benfleet
For more information call 01702-215003 or visit http://www.cyclesouthend.co.uk/
For more information about this media release please call the press desk on 01702-215000 ext 5505 or e-mail media@southend.gov.uk.