An Angus group is calling on the community to donate unwanted bicycles to help children in Africa get to school.
Arbroath Rotary Club is collecting bikes which will be donated to educational charity Jole Rider’s Bikes4Africa project.
The bikes will be used to help youngsters in the most remote locations in Africa to use to cycle to their nearest classroom.
Danny Gentles, Arbroath Rotary Club’s international convener, said: “Spring is traditionally a time for cleaning out garages and sheds so why not recycle bikes that have been lying around to help educate young students in Africa?
“Many African children live in remote communities, a long way from their nearest school.
“Without reliable, affordable, motorised transport the only way they can get to school is to walk. In fact their journey to education on foot is a daily epic mission.
“Having a bicycle makes a world of difference for these children, their families and also their communities.”
It is hoped that thousands of bikes will be donated to the scheme. Jole Rider refurbishes the bikes before delivering them to African schools.
Any donations will be collected by Arbroath Rotary members at Morrisons Car Park in Arbroath on Saturday May 7 from 9am to 4pm.
“As well as providing bicycles this support programme also teaches cycle maintenance,” Mr Gentles added.
“It really is a very effective programme with around 13,000 bicycles having been supplied under this initiative since 2006.
“We are looking for bicycles, preferably with 24’’ or 26’’ wheels. Alternatively a donation of £10 will pay for the refurbishment and transport of a second hand bicycle.
“Please help us if you can by providing a bicycle or a donation and help change lives for the better.”
When the bikes arrive in The Gambia, the charity’s partner organisation Jole Rider Gambia, which has pre-selected the schools, oversees the distribution of the bikes with the assistance of the Gambian Education Ministry.
Bikes remain school property, with teachers allocating them to children according to set criteria. When a child graduates from school, their bike is allocated to another child.
