University of Bradford and Crank It Up join forces (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

University of Bradford and Crank It Up join forces

9:20am Sunday 15th March 2009 in

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A cycling group which collects old and unwanted bikes for re-use is to open a shop at the University of Bradford.

‘Cycle re Cycle’, a project of Bradford-based Crank It Up Cycling For All, will be selling recycled bikes from the police and members of the public at the shop which opens on Wednesday.

The group hopes the shop will bring in a valuable income to allow it carry on voluntary work while playing a part in seeing more environment-friendly forms of transport increase.

The group uses the bicycles, recycled by a team of volunteers, to teach young people how to cycle. They are also given to under-privileged people to enjoy the benefits of cycling, sold to bring in income or used in the organised-cycling session of Crank It Up.

Crank It Up chairman Chris Evans said: “The bicycles have been donated by the police and members of the public who want to see their old bicycle have a new lease of life.

“Not all the bicycles we are given can be recycled but they can be broken down for parts which in turn are recycled on other bicycles.”

Mr Evans said damaged frames and buckled wheels can be sold to a scrapyard to bring in income while still being recycled.

He said: “Cycling is a fun way to enjoy yourself while taking valuable exercise and it’s kind to the environment.

“It is also recognised as one of the best ways to combat obesity. We will be selling adult bicycles including folding bicycles, recycled bicycles and some nearly-new bicycles.”

Accessories such as inner tubes and cables, belts made from tyres, clocks made from disc brakes and key rings of bicycle chain will be available.

The shop will be in the Communal Building in the university campus. It will be open each Wednesday from 12.30pm to 2.30pm and on Fridays from 5.30pm to 6.30pm. Chris Wilson, volunteer centre manager at the university, said the university ran a similar scheme to Crank It Up, so it made sense for them to use the space.

“At the same time we will be able to do not-for-profit servicing and repairs,” he said. “We are looking at putting a whole ‘start-to-finish’ product together.”

Visit cycle-re-cycle.org.uk or e-mail cycle-re-cycle@hot mail.co.uk for details.