Newcastle-based bicycle recycling charity Recyke y’Bike has received a welcome boost from the LNER Customer and Community Investment Fund.

Based in Byker, the charity restores donated bicycles that might otherwise end up in landfill, redistributing them within the local community. Over the past year, Recyke y’Bike refurbished 3,500 bikes for reuse.

Founded in 2006, Recyke y’Bike promotes the physical, mental, and financial benefits of cycling by making it an affordable and sustainable transport option. The organisation also teaches essential maintenance skills, helping people keep their bikes safe and roadworthy.

The Bike MOT scheme offers free repairs for local residents, while the Supported Volunteer Scheme gives refugees and asylum seekers the chance to gain new skills, build confidence, and connect with others.

Volunteers even learn to build their own bikes from scratch.

The funding has also enabled Recyke y’Bike to invest in high-quality tools, allowing volunteers to assemble 300 children’s bikes.

A short film released by LNER showcases two initiatives funded by the investment.

“A bike is not just a form of transport – it can be a transformative tool. Cycling builds independence, confidence, and connection, plus being an environmentally friendly way to travel. Our free bike MOT workshops help to make sure people stay safe and mobile, while our Supported Volunteers Scheme gives people the opportunity to gain a qualification. Our involvement doesn’t end when people receive a bike or training from us, they become part of our community which provides ongoing support for as long as it’s needed.”

Fran Welsh, Charitable Operations Manager at Recyke y’Bike.