PROJECTVI

What Can I do with My Old Steed?

When your favourite steed is finally no longer capable of accompanying you on those long, weekend rides and it's time to say goodbye, we thought maybe instead of resigning her to the local rubbish tip, you may like to consider one of the following options. Bit like 'donar cards' for bikes.

www.inside-out.org.uk

Inside Out Trust encourages prisons to work on projects that benefit the inmates and benefit the most disadvantaged people in the world. They all deliver real skills to help prisoners' resettlement. They all meet real need. Inside Out Trust ensures prisoners get feedback on the impact of their work.

Much of the work is about recycling and refurbishing goods that others throw away, which includes bicycles. The bikes are completely stripped down, any faulty parts replaced or repaired, then they are all put back together and re-sprayed. Some workshops build up links with their local communities where they distribute bikes, as well as producing bikes for international charities, who then send them to places such as South Africa, Iraq, Romania and Sudan, where they greatly benefit the lives of many people.

Bike repair is organised regionally. The project prefers to pick up unwanted bikes by the vanload as otherwise it isn't economical. As well as donated bikes, many of the regions are also always looking out for new beneficiaries i.e. community groups etc.

Head (admin) office is based at Hurstpierpoint, but has no storage facilities so are unable to take any deliveries of donated bikes. People should contact regional offices if they have bikes to donate, or wish to arrange to become beneficiaries: