Barking community bike recycling scheme wins top London award

Volunteer Chris Rixon fixing a bike as part of a local organisation taking recycled bikes from the Gascoignes esate. (Image: Archant)

The Respoke Community Bike Exchange programme, run by not-for-profit firm Trailnet, was named grassroots project of the year at last night’s London Cycling Awards 2014.

The scheme involves people donating used bikes, which are then given a thorough servicing and sold on again for a fraction of their original price.

Partly funded by Barking and Dagenham Council, the project was launched just over a year ago and works in partnership with sustainable transport charity Sustrans and the East London Waste Authority (ELWA) and is partly-funded by Transport for London’s Community Cycle Fund.

One of the aims of the scheme is to remove unroadworthy bikes from the area, so Trailnet offers cyclists the chance to trade in their old bikes for the cost of a chosen refurbished one.

Trailnet director Geoff Fletcher said: “It was a real honour just to be shortlisted.

“It’s amazing to gain recognition for all the hard work so many have put into the project.”

Hosted by broadcaster and bicycle enthusiast Jeremy Vine, the annual event saw guests and finalists gather to celebrate cycling in London.

Ashok Sinha, chief executive of the London Cycling Campaign, said: “Our winners have worked tirelessly to promote cycling so we feel honoured to be able to give them the thanks they deserve.

“With the rise of cycling in the capital we look forward to an even bigger event next year.”

Jeremy Vine added: “It was great to see so many people coming together for the London Cycling Campaign.

“In the end, cycling is about enjoyment – and the night was a reminder that there are some great people doing great things on bikes and for bike riders and it is one of the most exciting areas of campaigning to be involved in.”

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Old bikes given new lease of live through Barking recycling scheme