Question?

FAQs

I’ve got an unused bike, can I donate it?

Definitely! We take any bike of any size and in any condition as long as the frame isn't damaged or rusty - we’re up for a challenge but can’t work magic!

How do I get a bike to you?

If you’re in London, we can come and collect the bike or you can drop it off at our workshop at The Remakery in Brixton. We’re currently working on a partnership with a courier to get bikes from the rest of the UK.

I’ve donated my bike, what next?

All the bikes are assessed, refurbished and given a full service. Once they’ve been fixed up the bikes are donated to charities that work with young ethnically diverse people. Along with the bike, they’ll get a helmet, lights, lock and cycle safety training if required - safety is the most important thing!

Who do the bikes go to?

The bikes are donated through our bike repair workshop programme to young black and culturally diverse people in London that don’t necessarily have the funds to use public transport. Check our blog and Instagram for news and stories.

How do young people get a bike donation?

We work with charities & community groups in South London that refer young people to us. We try to work with a mix of charities that share the same values as us, helping young people from disadvantage backgrounds.

What is the impact of my support?

Your donation, pooled with that of others, could go towards refurbishing a bike, or buying a helmet or lights to help keep the young people safe. The bike itself give’s them the opportunity to travel to work or school in areas they wouldn’t normally be able to reach.

What is upcycling?

Upcycling is the process of taking something no longer in use and giving it a second life. So the bike that hasn’t been used in years or is slightly damaged can be fixed up and become more valuable than it was before.

Do you sell bikes?

It’s rare but sometimes we will sell a bike if it’s of high quality and put the profits back in to upCYCLE. For example, if somebody donates a modern road bike it’s more valuable to us if we sell it and use the money to buy 2-3 bikes which would be more suitable for our young people.