16:38, 20 May 2025
Words by Cheyanne Bryan, Editorial and Campaign Marketing Executive, London
Essex based charity, Re-Cycle, sends unwanted bikes into a sustainable transportation option for African communities.
In a time when both sustainability and social impact are more vital than ever, Colchester-based charity Re-Cycle takes in second-hand bicycles from across the UK, refurbishes them, and ships them to rural communities across Africa where transport is a daily barrier to education, employment, and healthcare.
Each bicycle comes with a chance for independence, opportunity, and a brighter future.
“In rural Africa, distance too often means exclusion,” a spokesperson for Re-Cycle said. “A bike can make the difference between attending school or dropping out, between reaching a clinic or going without treatment.”
Since 1997, Re-Cycle has worked with seven trusted NGOs across Africa to ensure bicycles reach those most in need. These partnerships also provide training for local mechanics, supporting ongoing maintenance and building long-term, self-sustaining impact.
Last year in 2024, Re-Cycle shipped 11,250 bikes, along with thousands of spare parts.
Working in collaboration with partners like British retailer Halfords, who provide drop-off points at stores nationwide, the charity also champions a zero-waste ethos, repurposing every usable part and recycling anything beyond repair.
Their work is as much about the environment as it is about empowerment. By diverting bicycles from UK landfills and placing them in the hands of those who need them most, Re-Cycle is not only tackling waste but also delivering tangible, life-changing solutions abroad.
To get involved, visit Re-Cycle’s website and find out how you can donate a bicycle, volunteer, or organise a local collection. Together, we can pedal towards a more equal and sustainable future.
Alternatively, Re-Cycle has joined forces with Velo Club Revolution to bring an unforgettable day of cycling, community, and charity. From 8am on Saturday 31st May, you can join their Pedal with Purpose event. With two route options, meet others on a scenic bike ride starting at their warehouse. For more information and ticket prices, head here: https://re-cycle.org/sportive/
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
Re-cycle. This is a UK charity that refurbishes unwanted bicycles and sends them to rural African communities, fostering opportunities for independence. Learn more here.
World Bicycle Relief. This charity partners with people in rural communities around the globe to realise their goals by expanding access to opportunities. Support them here.
The Bike Project. This UK charity collects secondhand bicycles and delivers them to people seeking refuge and asylum in the UK. Find out more here.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Good Health and Wellbeing Sustainable Cities and Communities.
