AN ORGANISATION dedicated to cycling in Bradford, and its health benefits, is gearing up for a bumper two-week celebration of being on a bike.

Cycle-Re-Cycle is taking part in the Big Bike Revival, which is a fortnight of family-friendly events aimed at getting people cycling this summer.

It is designed to help people get their unloved bike back into use, learn how to look after it themselves, and rediscover the fun of cycling.

Cycle-Re-Cycle, which is based on Westholme Street, off Thornton Road, is hosting basic maintenance courses and free check-ups for bikes, and is leading four different rides for all skill levels and ages.

The ride schedule is: Thornton Viaduct on Saturday; Bingley St Ives next Wednesday; Spen Valley Greenway on May 30; and Five Rise Locks on June 6. Visit www.facebook.com/cyclerecycleyorkshire to register.

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It is also offering a Trade and Upgrade scheme where people can take in their old bike to be recycled and then buy a fully-refurbished bike. If the bike is bought for £35 or more, the following will be thrown in for free: a set of front and back lights; front and rear mudguards; puncture repair kit; and a pump.

Cycle-Re-Cycle, which has a workshop and shop at its base, will also be carrying out free basic repairs to bikes during the fortnight, excluding parts.

Chris Evans, chairman of Cycle-Re-Cycle in Bradford, said: "We are excited by it. It's great to be involved in a national campaign of this size and we hope the people of Bradford use these events to get back on their bikes."

On cycling, Mr Evans said: "It is healthy, it is affordable transport, it is fun. With cycling you will get a grandchild cycling with a grandad.

"More people are getting into cycling. What has helped is that there are more and more health benefits to it - health benefits that people are being made aware of.

"The Tour de France and the Tour de Yorkshire did well. They made people think about cycling, when they see the number of people out there."

He added: "It is so friendly and sociable. From here, a three-mile drive into four areas and it is car-free cycling.

"We’ve helped a lot of families get back on bikes as their primary mode of transportation, plus we've supported schemes to provide bikes to jobseekers and to people with physical impairments."

Cycle-Re-Cycle - which is a part-time, volunteer-led, not-for-profit project - employs six people and has 13 volunteers. In the last financial year it sold 835 bikes and repaired about 250. Horton Park Primary School in Bradford bought 75. Mr Evans said 27 per cent of people who buy from them are new to cycling, while 29 per cent are returning to it.

Its bikes come from various sources, with many donated by the public and Bradford Council. Every bike that leaves its premises receives a 22-point check to ensure it is in the best condition it can be.

Organisations and people that have benefited from Cycle-Re-Cycle recycled bikes include YMCA, Action for Blind People, Barnardos Young Carers, foster parents, students, the unemployed, and those on low income.

The Big Bike Revival, led by CTC, will run from Saturday until June 7 across the country. All events are free to attend

Ian Richardson, head of development at CTC, said: “The Big Bike Revival is a great chance for people to get their bikes back out, have them fixed for free and find out how they can keep on cycling in their local area.

“Not knowing how to fix a puncture or replace a chain should not stop you from enjoying your bike. By going to a Big Bike Revival event, you will learn new skills and improve your confidence, all while having fun and meeting like-minded people."

To find your nearest event, visit bigbikerevival.org.uk.