Life Cycle wants to donate 150 upcycled bikes to refugees in city

Life Cycle Derby has been upcycling bikes since 2016

A charity in Derby has launched a fundraiser so it can upcycle 150 bicycles and donate them to refugees living in the city.

Life Cycle takes unwanted bikes and teaches prisoners, former offenders and volunteers in the community the skills to refurbish them.

The charity, which operates in Derby, said it hopes to fund the expansion of its workshop and train more volunteers.

An online appeal hopes to raise £50,000 to pay for the project.

Staff and volunteers at the Life Cycle Derby project stop about 400 bikes from going into landfill each year, the charity said.

It said donating a bike can help people "escape transport poverty".

The charity wants to buy new tools and buy extra parts so it can fix more bikes

Kitty Rowe, who works for Life Cycle Derby, said: "We provide affordable refurbished bikes to the public however, for refugees surviving on just £47.39 per week, even a second-hand bike is beyond their budget.

"In times of increasing cost-of-living and deteriorating mental health, cycling can be a lifeline for refugees.

"With a free mode of transport, they are empowered to move around the city whenever they want, and better able to access services that teach life skills, offer advice, provide training, and job opportunities.

"All things that help them to settle into - and feel part of - their new community."

As part of the project, the charity also aims to enhance its "bike kitchen" where refugees can benefit from free bike repairs.

The British Red Cross and Derbyshire Refugee Solidarity Group will help the charity distribute bikes to refugees.

The appeal, which was launched on the Crowdfunder website, runs until Wednesday and hopes to raise £50,000.

Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].