Help collect 450 unused bikes after Christmas and open opportunities for Leicestershire children and young people to build confidence and cycling skills.
Active Together is appealing for unwanted bikes to help launch a new Bike Bank in schools across Leicestershire. With the cost of living continuing to put pressure on families, the initiative is supported by Leicestershire County Council’s Sustainable Travel team and will give children who might otherwise miss out, the chance to learn to ride and enjoy the freedom and health benefits of cycling. More than 30 schools will take part, loaning refurbished bikes to pupils aged 9–13 and providing training to build confidence and skills.
The scheme is funded through Active Travel England’s grant programme and has been timed to start after Christmas, when many households may have replaced old bikes with new ones. Donated bikes will be refurbished at Rutland Prison workshops, giving inmates valuable skills while recycling resources. Schools will then loan the bikes and provide ‘Learn to Ride’ training sessions funded nationally, starting in March 2026.
Confirmed bike shops include Specialized (Fosse Park), Melton Recycles, Lutterworth Cycle Shop and PedalPower (Loughborough) where bikes can be donated between December 29 and January 8.
“Far too many children miss out on learning to ride because they don’t have access to a bike at home. By donating, you’re giving a young person the freedom, confidence and joy that cycling brings. It’s a simple act that can have a lasting impact.”
Anita Bird, Assistant Development Officer for Active Together
“This scheme comes at the perfect time of year. After Christmas, many families have new bikes and older ones sitting unused. Donating those bikes in this way means local children and young people who might otherwise miss out can learn a skill that stays with them for life. Cycling can open doors to further education, jobs and opportunities, as well as helping young people stay active, feel confident and healthy.”
Councillor Adam Tilbury, Leicestershire County Council’s Lead Member for Highways and Transport
The Bike Bank builds on Active Together’s successful Set, Pedal – Go! programme and complements similar projects like My Bike Rutland, which refurbishes bikes through prison workshops to support people who otherwise couldn’t access one.
Anyone with an unused bike can make a big difference by donating and helping create a future where cycling is a normal, accessible way to travel for education, work and leisure.
Full details can be found on the Choose How You Move website and Active Together.
Including an e-form for those who wish to donate but are unable to reach a donation station or drop-off point.