News

Cardiff Council’s ReCYCLE scheme is helping even more children from low-income families travel actively to school through the provision of free refurbished bikes and scooters.

 

Part of the Council’s One Planet Cardiff response to climate change, the scheme is now in its third year, removes financial barriers that can prevent children and young people from choosing active travel. Bikes are refurbished and reused, reducing waste while supporting healthier, more sustainable journeys to school.

 

Since its launch, ReCYCLE has provided more than 300 bikes and almost 150 scooters to children and young people across Cardiff. The scheme helps families access affordable active travel while promoting independence, wellbeing and improved school attendance. Building on its early success, ReCYCLE continues to support pupils who may otherwise face challenges getting to and from school.

 

Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Strategic Planning and Transport, Cllr Dan De'Ath, said: "I am incredibly proud of the success of the ReCYCLE scheme and the difference it is making to children and families across Cardiff. Distributing almost 450 bikes and scooters is a significant milestone and demonstrates the demand for initiatives that remove barriers to active travel.

 

Every bike and scooter provided helps a child gain independence, improve their wellbeing and access new opportunities, while supporting our ambition for a greener, healthier Cardiff. It is fantastic to see the scheme continue to grow and make such a positive impact on communities across the city.

 

Alongside receiving a bike or scooter, participants are provided with safety equipment and support to help them travel confidently and safely. The scheme has been particularly effective in supporting pupils from low-income households, those facing transport barriers and families who might otherwise rely on car journeys for the school run.

 

Feedback from schools and families highlights the positive impact ReCYCLE is having on school attendance, physical activity, mental wellbeing and social inclusion. Many participants have gained greater independence and improved access to opportunities within their communities.

 

Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry, said: ReCYCLE is making a real difference to children and young people across Cardiff. By helping pupils get to school safely and independently, the scheme is supporting attendance, wellbeing and confidence, while ensuring that families are not prevented from choosing active travel because of financial pressures. It is particularly encouraging to hear directly from schools and families about the positive impact the scheme is having on children's daily lives, both in and beyond the classroom.

 

One parent whose children received bikes through the scheme said: The bikes have been life-changing for my children. They cycle to high school together every day and have been able to attend events across the city that they wouldn't otherwise have been able to reach. They've also enjoyed spending more time with friends on their bikes. They are much happier since receiving them.

 

Another parent whose daughter received a bike said: "My daughter is delighted with her bike – it's been difficult to get her off it. She has cycled to primary school since receiving it and is looking forward to cycling to high school with her friends in September. We love ReCYCLE!

 

How the scheme works

 

• Pupils are referred to the scheme by their school or other professionals.
• Successful applicants receive a voucher to visit the workshop of the Council’s bike supplier and choose a suitably sized bike, along with a helmet and lock.
• Travel support, such as bus passes, can be provided where needed.
• For pupils unable to attend the workshop, the Council’s Road Safety Team can arrange delivery to their school.
• Cardiff Council’s Road Safety Team provides free cycle training to help pupils ride safely on the road. Training also includes basic bike maintenance skills.
• When a child outgrows their bike, it can be returned and exchanged for a larger one. The old bike is then refurbished for reuse or recycled for parts, helping the scheme continue to benefit future participants.