Ready to ride thanks to bicycle donations in West Yorkshire

Our wonderful volunteers in West Yorkshire have been on the hunt for bicycles for some of those they’re supporting in Leeds. A bike can give someone a bit more freedom and independence, and the opportunity to further explore their local area!

We have been working with the amazing team at Leeds Bike Mill, who take unwanted bikes and recycle them into fully serviced machines, ready to ride. Through their ‘Fix it to Ride’ project, currently funded by the Co-op Community Fund, they have been able to donate a number of these bikes to asylum seekers and refugees, giving them a reliable and cheap mode of transport. John F. Kennedy said, “Nothing compares the simple pleasure of riding a bike.” We definitely agree!

Mussie, who received his bike last week, said: ‘Thank you, Leeds Bike Mill! You guys gave me the best gift during my stay as an asylum seeker. I am experiencing the three best things while I am riding the bike you gave me – 1) exercising, 2) pleasure and 3) being where I want to be at the same time.’ We can’t wait to see where Mussie’s bike takes him – and it will definitely save him some time, as he’s busy continuing his studies to become a dentist, helped by those who gave kindly donated science textbooks and a laptop for him.

To volunteer with us in the U.K., email [email protected]