An 'upcycling' bike hire scheme operated by iCycle in partnership with the Lancaster University has been shortlisted for a prestiguous Green Gown Award. Now in their twentieth year, the Green Gown Awards recognise sustainability excellence being carried out by colleges and universities.
iCycle started life as Cycles Recycled, a community interest company that restored donated bikes. Once fully restored the bikes were donated or sold at low cost to local people who would benefit from having a low cost and healthy means of transport. In 2023 Cycles Recycled merged with sister company iCycle Electric to form iCycle Ltd. The merger allowed the two companies to share their expertise and continue to recycle donated bikes to benefit the local community.
Fully mobile for less than £1 per week
For the past 12 months iCycle and Lancaster University have offered students hire of an upcycled bike for only £50 per year. Not only does this include the hire of the bike, students also get a lock, lights and puncture repair kit. All for less than £1 per week. The scheme is nominated in the 'Creating Impact' category of the Green Gown Awards UK and Ireland.
"We're absolutely thrilled that the scheme has been recognised with this nomination. Cycling is a great way to get around Lancaster and make new friends, but buying a new bike can be prohibitively expensive for most students. This partnership with the University provides everything a student needs for less than the cost of a single bus journey each week." said Ian Gibbs, Managing Director of iCycle. "And let's not forget that all of the bikes that we upcycle have been donated by local people. The scheme would not be possible without the generosity of the local community, so a big 'Thank you' to all who donated bike." iCycle welcome donations of unwanted bikes that can be upcycled to benefit the local community.
You can read more on the iCycle website. If you have an unused bike that you would like to donate, call iCycle on 01772 347 927 or 01200 442 306, or call into the shop Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 4.30pm.
iCycle is located at Unit 1, North Street, Clitheroe BB7 1PG.