Recyke-a-bike aims to relieve poverty within the community and improve health, education and the environment through cycling. They recycle bikes to sell, offer bike services and repairs, and provide employability training opportunities for local people.

The organisation was established in 2005 and now runs a variety of projects, including upskilling local residents in bike mechanic skills. Newly repaired bikes are then sold in their shop on Alloa Road at affordable prices, to support local residents to take up cycling. The funds raised in the shop are used to support a variety of other programmes throughout the area, from teacher and toddler classes to helping pensioners to pedal.

Persimmon’s £5,000 donation is being delivered through their Community Champions scheme, which supports good causes in areas where the company builds new homes. The scheme has seen over £1.5m donated to local charities, clubs and organisations across the UK since 2021.

Eloise Brakefield, operations manager at Recyke-a-bike, said: “On behalf of Recyke-a-bike, I want to extend our gratitude to Persimmon for their generous donation of £5,000. The support means the world to us and will make a significant difference in our mission to promote sustainable transportation, affordable bikes and impactful training.

“With this contribution, we can continue providing reasonably priced, refurbished bicycles to our customers, encouraging greener transportation choices and reducing our carbon footprint. Investments like this support the future of our organisation and mean that together we can create a more sustainable and vibrant future for generations to come.”

Neil Parry, Persimmon East Scotland managing director, said: “Facilitating active travel is an increasingly important part of our activity as a local home builder and I’m delighted we’re able to support a charity that not only encourages people to take up cycling but also supports local people to gain new skills and access new employment opportunities.

“Recyke-a-bike has an excellent reputation across Stirling for the positive impact it has on the local community and I hope this donation will ensure more local families can benefit from the projects they provide.”