Over 25 years of changing lives through bikes

Since 1997, Re-Cycle has been giving unwanted bicycles a second life, transforming them into opportunities for people and communities across Africa.

The idea began with one student, one vision, and a collection of donated bikes. Founded by Merlin Matthews in Mersea, Essex, Re-Cycle started by collecting unwanted bicycles and sending them to communities where reliable transport could make a life-changing difference. In July 1998, we shipped our first container of bikes to Africa — the beginning of a journey that continues today.

Building partnerships, creating opportunities

Our work has always been built around strong partnerships. In 2003, we began our long-standing partnership with the Village Bicycle Project (VBP) in Ghana, helping communities use bicycles to improve access to education, healthcare, and livelihoods.

Over the years, we have grown our network of trusted partners across Africa, supporting communities in countries including South Africa, Zambia, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Malawi, and Nigeria. Together, these partnerships deliver more than just bicycles — they provide skills training, employment opportunities, and sustainable solutions that create lasting change.

Growing our impact in the UK

As demand for our work grew, so did our operations in the UK. From our early beginnings in Essex to our current warehouse in Wormingford, we have built a nationwide network of bike collection points, supporters, volunteers, and partners.

Along the way, we launched initiatives such as Dr Bike, community bike sales, and our partnership with Halfords, making it easier for people across the UK to donate their unwanted bicycles and support our mission.

Milestones along the way

• 1997 – Re-Cycle is founded
• 1998 – First container of bicycles shipped to Africa
• 2003 – Partnership begins with Village Bicycle Project in Ghana
• 2006 – 20,000th bicycle sent to Africa
• 2011 – 100th container shipped
• 2012 – 50,000th bicycle delivered
• 2016 – 200th container shipped
• 2018 – 100,000th bicycle sent to Africa
• 2023 – 300th container shipped and partnership expanded to Sierra Leone
• 2024 – Over 160,000 bicycles delivered across Africa

The journey continues

What started with one person collecting unwanted bikes has grown into a global movement powered by thousands of donors, volunteers, partners, and supporters.

Every bicycle donated continues this story — giving people the freedom to travel, learn, work, and build brighter futures.