Train operator Southern has teamed up with Cycling UK to give young people the chance to bring abandoned bikes back to life.

Fifteen cycles have been donated by Southern to the cycling charity who will give 15 young people in the Southwark area of London the chance to learn all about cycle maintenance and will earn a renovated bike of their own.

Cycling UK are a charity that works across the country with no-for-profit groups to inspire people to cycle more often, this batch of cucles have been given to Walworth-based Community Cycleworks who run ‘Build A Bike’ in conjunction with Southwark schools and youth clubs.

The 15 bicycles donated by Southern had been left at their railway stations unclaimed.

Toby Edwards, Cycling UK’s Training & Cycling Development Officer for London, said: “Cycling UK is hugely grateful to Southern Railway for donating these abandoned bikes. They’ll make a real difference to the lives of children in South London.

“The ‘Build A Bike’ project run by Community Cycleworks offers young people a chance to learn how to maintain and fix donated bicycles. They get to keep the bike they work on, which gives them or their family member a real sense of ownership and pride. Whether it’s cycling to school or riding for fun with friends, we hope hundreds of miles will be clocked up once these bikes have been brought back to life.”

Angie Doll, Managing Director for Southern and Gatwick Express, said: “It’s fantastic to be working with all our partners to promote healthy, green transport by extending the life of previously unwanted bikes. Cycling UK can find these bikes a variety of deserving new owners. And by encouraging young people to cycle and look after their bikes we’re creating lasting benefits for their future.

“At this challenging time, we’re proud to help keep Britain moving safely and sustainably. We’re building strong local partnerships right across our network to help communities recover and prosper.”

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