Charity’s wheely good way to make use of old bicycles

With bikes still a popular Christmas gift choice for adults and children alike, Environment Minister Alex Attwood has announced the timely launch of Re:Cycle - a workshop for upcycling old bicycles, which are then resold at an affordable price.

Funded by the Department of the Environment’s Rethink Waste campaign, the bikes are sold from East Belfast Mission’s shops which are located in Larne, Antrim, Belfast and Newtownards. Upcycling describes the process of converting waste materials into quality goods.

Mr Attwood said: “East Belfast Mission is to be congratulated for creating this innovative project which gives old products more value – not less. As well as providing a high quality, good-as-new product at an affordable price, these bikes are being given a second life as such, which crucially stops them from being sent to landfill.

“These bikes are an excellent product, particularly at this time of year. I am impressed by the quality of the workmanship which has restored these bikes to such great condition. I really can recommend buying these bikes as an alternative to new ones and would encourage people to donate their old bikes so they can be upcycled and reused again. This trend is ideal for those seeking to save money and the environment – upcycling does both.”

Anne Walsh from East Belfast Mission added “We are proud and delighted to launch the Re:Cycle project. As the Minister has seen, our workshop is providing high quality low cost bicycles which will benefit the local community and promote a healthy lifestyle through sustainable transport.

“The project will also create new employment plus training for the unemployed in the area.”