New bike for Christmas? Give your old one a new life and help Central Beds Council transform lives
If you got a new bike for Christmas you could donate your old one, and help change lives.
Central Bedfordshire Council’s bike recycling scheme helps people access employment, improve wellbeing, and learn essential life skills – all while promoting sustainability.
Since July 2025, it has donated 35 refurbished bikes to individuals and schools, including Esland Bedford School, Pix Brook Academy, and Toddington St George Lower School. More bikes are currently being refurbished and prepared for donation.
One person the scheme has helped said: “The bike was immensely useful. The young person had found employment that was too far away, and public transport was not very frequent. The bike enabled him to start work, reconnect with friends, and save money on travel.”
Another added: “A young lady I support was recently given a bike through the recycling scheme. It has been a huge help as she struggles with her mental health. Having her bike now lets her go out, get exercise and fresh air, and most importantly, gets her out of her own head for a while.”
Upcoming donation events will be held at Linmere Hub (LU5 5GX) on January 3 from 11am to 2pm and Biggleswade Saxon Leisure Centre on January 31 from 11am to 2pm.
It doesn’t matter if your bike has a flat tyre, faulty breaks or a bit of rust – but if major parts are missing, or the wheels just don’t spin freely, take it to to tidy tip where the metals can be recycled.
Visit the website to book a donation slot.