Bag a bike from Blackpool Salvation Army

Wannabe cyclists can grab a fresh set of wheels for a good cause thanks to Blackpool Salvation Army.
Doug and Brian with some of the bikes ready to goDoug and Brian with some of the bikes ready to go
Doug and Brian with some of the bikes ready to go

Recycles manager Doug Cox and volunteer Brian Dodd have spent lockdown sprucing up more than 100 old bicycles, which are now ready to be flogged from their Raikes Parade headquarters to raise money for the charity, which supports young people, homeless people and disadvantaged families

Doug said: "During lockdown we have not been able to do much for the people we usually support, so it's all been down to myself and one volunteer working behind the scenes, fixing up bikes ready to re-open. We've got a waiting list of people wanting to come and view them, and already we have sold 30 bikes over the last 10 days.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Someone even donated a tandem bike, which got a lot of interest from some keen cyclists.

Doug and Brian with some of the bikes ready to goDoug and Brian with some of the bikes ready to go
Doug and Brian with some of the bikes ready to go

"Cycling ticks so many boxes. It gives people a safe and secure mode of transport when they don't have access to public transport. There are health benefits, and every bike that we get would have otherwise gone to the scrap man. The benefits go on and on."

The bikes cost between £20 and £90, with all money raised going back into the recycling project.

The Salvation Army is always on the lookout for donations of old bikes to add to their collection.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Doug said: "We have built up a really good community here, and it bridges the gap between the people who are in crisis and the regular cyclists, and they are all mixing really well. We even have a 19-mile bike ride coming up. These are the guys who were sitting on the seafront with no outlook on life just a few months ago."

People who would like to bag a bike from the Salvation Army should call the charity on (01253) 626114 to arrange a drop-in.