The Bike Bank - Devon

Providing Training and Skills through Recycling Bicycles. Contact us via email: [email protected]. The Bike Bank has three aims.
1. WHAT HAPPENED?

The Bike Bank - Devon is a project of Exeter Community Initiatives. Registered Charity Number: 1026229

WHAT IS THE BIKE BANK - DEVON? It will work in a similar way to a food bank (i.e. a food distribution base for those who can’t afford food). By supplying people with subsidised bikes by referral . A Referral can be given out by a support agency, the job centre, doctors or social services to tho

se who can’t afford to buy a bicycle but would benefit physically or financially (to go to work) by having one.

2. The Bike Bank will also offer a sheltered workshop. Using donated bikes and a team of volunteers, vulnerable adults with physical or mental health problems will be able to learn useful skills in a supportive environment.

3. It’s also good for the environment, reducing landfill and good for the city encouraging people to use two wheels instead of four. BACKGROUND:

Over the last year Exeter Community Initiatives (ECI) piloted a bike recycling project, which we called Exeter Community Bikes (ECB), to provide the opportunity for vulnerable people to gain skills in repairing unwanted bikes. Our main aim was to promote employability through ‘hands-on’ learning and supporting people to build their skills in a work environment. For the pilot project a temporary workshop was set up in an empty shop unit in Harlequins in the centre of Exeter. Sessions were led by volunteer mechanics (pictured) with support from other volunteers who were keen cyclists but less skilled/experienced as bike mechanics. The volunteer mechanics provided the training and support for the participants to repair a bike. The bikes were donated by members of the public who no longer wanted them. It received a lot of support from many people in the bicycling community and MP Ben Bradshaw. It was also selected by John Lewis’ Community Matters to benefit from their charitable giving scheme. It means that it will be one of three charities to receive a share of £3,000 donated by the store. Each charity receives a proportion of the money according to how many tokens are supplied by shoppers. James, 22, from Exwick in Exeter, said the project had been a great experience for him. “I finished the bike I was working on in three days, but I still came the rest of the week because I enjoyed it so much. It’s been a reason to get up in the morning.”

Graham, 20, from Burnthouse Lane, agreed: “I know a lot about bikes already so this has been really great. I would love to have a job like this.” (Exeter Daily, July 2013)

03/10/2023

We’re sad to share that after several successful years, Exeter Community Initiatives’ Bike Bank project closed at the end of September 2023 due to our current funding coming to an end. Since Bike Bank began in 2013, we have offered bike maintenance courses to the community and have worked with Ride On - Cycling For all to deliver training, and repair bikes for resale.
A special thanks to Ride On for working in partnership with us on this project and thank you to everyone who has supported or attended our Bike Bank project.

Photos from Ride On - Cycling For all's post

09/08/2023

17/05/2023

We have been a bit quiet on here so thought it is time to remind you of what we do.

Bike bank offers 6 x 3 hour free sessions in a workshop learning to repair and rebuild bikes. We are charity funded and the aim is to learn practical skills, to build confidence, reduce isolation, to support wellbeing and/or recovery and gain experience of being in a workplace environment. FREEMOOVEMENT Exeter Community Initiatives Wellbeing Exeter Recovery Devon Ride On - Cycling For all

Contact us if interested- either message or email [email protected]

12/04/2023

28/11/2022

Come along to see a great game and help support our fantastic charity!

Volunteer for charity bucket shake - Exeter Chiefs Women v Harlequins Women - Sunday 18 December 2022

ECI has been selected as one of Exeter Chiefs Foundation's designated charities for this season. We have been allocated a ladies game on Sunday 18 December against Harlequins. We're looking for volunteers to come along and bucket shake on the day.

All volunteer collectors must be:
• aged 16+
• able to make their way to the Sandy Park stadium (there is no onsite parking available)
• available for the full event (approx Midday - 6pm)
• able to stand the full event (approx Midday - 6pm)

The day looks set to be a lot of fun; the Exeter Chiefs ladies are the current Allianz Cup champs! It's a great day out - raising money for loads of worthwhile causes and getting to watch a world-class game of rugby at the same time!

If you would like to volunteer or if you have any questions, please contact Ellie Taylor, ECI Operations Manager on [email protected] or call 01392 205800/ 07599907020

24/11/2022

Home sweet home - Make a beautiful solar night light During this relaxing creative session, you will make a solar powered night light to take home, inspired by energy and hopes for the future.

03/11/2022

Are you looking for something to do with your time?
Would you like to connect with others?
Are you wanting to improve your wellbeing or support recovery?
Are you interested in learning about fixing bikes?
Help to get more unwanted/donated bikes back on the road!
Contact us for more information
Exeter Community Initiatives Recycle Devon FREEMOOVEMENT Wellbeing Exeter Activedevon

29/09/2022

Not bikes but a great new project starting soon. please share and spread the word

Book onto Remade’s Furniture Upcycle Workshop this October!

Check out Exeter Community Initiatives’ Remade Furniture Upcycle Workshop - a 10-week course starting in October in St Thomas, Exeter. This project is funded by the European Social Fund for anyone who is registered unemployed / economically inactive & considering moving towards employment or education. As well as the practical sessions, attendees will have individual advice & information around work & learning opportunities. To book a place call Jane on 07547958156

03/08/2022

19/07/2022

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Location

Exeter

Contact the business

Click here to send a message to the business

Telephone

07966992085

Website

http://www.bikebank.eci.org.uk/

Address

61 Haven Road
Exeter
EX28DP

Opening Hours

9am - 5pm