OPEN BY PRE-BOOKED APPOINTMENTS ONLY - Based in the New Forest, Hampshire, a social enterprise that recycles and relocates bikes, supporting disadvantaged people in the local community. OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY - New Forest Bike Project (NFBP) is a not-for-profit community and social enterprise which takes in unwanted bicycles and then repairs, restores and relocates them. Located in New Milton in the west of the New Forest we serve the community roughly between Bournemouth, Southampton and up towards Salisbury. The aim is to engage people, particular those in need, with all aspects of the project to help build confidence, skills, health and well-being through things like teaching bike maintenance, safe riding, earning a bike through volunteering and learning about recycling/sustainability issues. With issues linked to increased car use, poor public transport, growing obesity and health problems, we want to help make it easier for people in our community to get about safely whether it’s to do the shopping, getting to work or college, seeing friends and family, for getting fitter or just for fun – on a properly maintained bike. Unwanted bicycles and parts keeps the project going – bikes donated will be refurbished and given away free or heavily susbsidised to those in need (we take referrals from schools, colleges, local authorities, Community First New Forest, Dorset Community Action, Police, charities etc) or sold to raise much needed funds. Depending on their condition, they may also end up being stripped down for all useful parts. We try and minimise scrap, re-using as much as we can. Any scrap is sent for recycling and disposed of properly. Spare bike parts, clothing, lights, racks, luggage, (new) helmets are also always handy and after checking we offer these at affordable rates too to keep bikes on the road and people on the move. We mainly require adult bikes of all sizes. We’ll take all styles – mountain bike, hybrid, city bike, road bike, vintage etc. Even if you think a bike might be beyond saving, there’s usually some parts on it we can re-use so please donate. We also require old t-shirts and rags for cleaning bikes, bike tools for maintenance and we gratefully accept tea and cakes for when we are working and beer for when we are relaxing. As well as taking direct referrals for help with bikes, often giving away for free, we can offer price reduction subsidies (at least 25% off) on bikes and parts for residents in receipt of benefits, students and pensioners from the following postcode areas: BH23 BH24 BH25 SP6 SP5 SO40 SO41 SO42 SO43 SO45 SO51. Evidence required and a simple feedback form needs filling in – just ask for details.
