Active Cycles, a community-driven initiative based in the Arndale Centre, Accrington, has received a Highly Commended Award at this year’s Selnet Awards.
Opened in 2021, Active Cycles works with landfill sites across Lancashire to rescue disused bikes, whilst also accepting donations from members of the public. Bikes are restored by volunteer mechanics, with a number of bikes also sent to local prisons which are restored as part of work prison work programmes.
Once restored, bikes are sold at a low-cost through Active Cycles storefront in the Arndale Centre, with children’s bikes available for just £25 (or £15 if customers trade-in an old bike) and adult’s bikes starting at only £50. Many bikes are also donated to community groups and schools, with Active Cycles having recently donated adapted bikes to British Cycling’s Limitless Cycling sessions in Burnley.
Now, Active Cycles has been commended for its efforts in providing Lancashire residents with access to safe and affordable active travel; shortlisted among five other nominees, Active Cycles received a Highly Commended Award at this year’s Selnet Awards in the ‘Small Social Enterprise of the Year’ category.
Michelle Grimes, Project Lead at Active Cycles, said: “It’s a huge honour to have been recognised at this year’s Selnet Awards! Active Cycles began as a means to reduce carbon emissions and ease pressure on Landfill sites across the county, whilst providing residents with access to affordable bikes – we’ve now gave over 1,800 bikes a new home, saving over 42,000kg of cO2e in the meantime!
“None of this would be possible without the support of our volunteers, who work for free in the shop up to five days per week restoring bikes – all they ask for in return is a brew and biscuits! They don’t realise the huge impact their selflessness has on our communities, so this award is a fantastic chance to celebrate all of their hard work and selflessness.”
Now, thanks to funding from Lancashire County Council and Cycling UK, residents can enjoy free bike hire for up to one month, or access free bike maintenance and small repairs on their own bikes.
Active Cycles is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30AM – 3:30PM; dependant on volunteer availability, the shop extends its opening times throughout the week and on weekends. For up-to-date opening times and stock levels, please visit www.facebook.com/ActiveCyclesLancashire or email office@activelancashire.org.uk
