Re-Cycle Reaches Major Milestone with the Shipment of Its 150,000th Bike to Africa
Re-Cycle, a small charity based just outside Colchester, is celebrating a monumental achievement: the shipment of its 150,000th bicycle to Africa. This milestone marks a significant moment in the charity’s mission to provide sustainable transportation for individuals in need, while simultaneously reducing waste in the UK.
Since its first container left the UK in 1998, Re-Cycle has now sent 335 containers of bicycles to communities across Africa. For a small charity with a dedicated team, this represents a colossal accomplishment. Re-Cycle’s efforts not only save thousands of bicycles from UK landfills but also empowers individuals in Africa with a sustainable, affordable mode of transport that enhances access to education, employment, and healthcare.
Georgia Brown, Fundraising & Marketing Manager at Re-Cycle says
“This 150,000th bike heading to Sierra Leone is a symbol of the life-changing impact that a small charity can have,” “We may be small, but we’re making a big difference by mobilising communities and empowering individuals through sustainable transportation.”
Re-Cycle has established partnerships with five trusted NGOs in Ghana, Zambia, South Africa, The Gambia, and Sierra Leone, with more collaborations in the pipeline. These partnerships ensure that the bikes reach those who need them most and that local bicycle mechanics are trained to maintain and repair the bikes, ensuring their longevity within these communities.
The 150,000th bike is being delivered to Re-Cycle’s partner in Sierra Leone, Village Bicycle Project, which focuses on providing bicycles to rural areas where poverty rates are high. In these remote regions, bicycles are more than just a means of transportation; they are a lifeline. Village Bicycle Project specifically targets women and girls, providing them with the opportunity to access opportunities that are often far from home.
Abdul Karim Kamara, Village Bicycle Project Country Director in Sierra Leone says
“Bicycles are a powerful tool for change, particularly in rural areas. For women and girls in Sierra Leone, a bike can mean the difference between walking miles to school and having the tools to achieve their dreams.”
As Re-Cycle celebrates this significant milestone, it remains committed to expanding its reach and continuing its work with partners across Africa. By providing sustainable transport, Re-Cycle is helping individuals build better futures, one bike at a time.
Continuing the Mission
Re-Cycle depends on the generosity of people like you, whether that’s through bike donations or financial support.
If you have a bike you no longer need but still has some life left in it, why not donate it to us?
If a bike isn’t available, a one-time financial donation will help us keep our work going—collecting and shipping bikes to Africa and supporting communities through sustainable transport. Every little bit makes a big difference!
