nextbike calls for Glasgow cyclists to donate bike inner tubes for Malawian charity partnership

24.06.2019

A leading bike share firm is calling for help from Glasgow’s cycling community as it introduces a new partnership with an upcycling charity in Malawi.

 

nextbike, which last month announced the addition of seven new stations in Glasgow in the upcoming year, will be supporting Cycle of Good, a social enterprise based in Chilomoni Township, Malawi with a plea for donations of bicycle wheel inner tubes. These will then provide materials to create upcycled products which are then sold to support the charity’s educational courses and business opportunities in Malawi.

 

The initiative will see nextbike’s distribution team Bike For Good collecting old and unused inner tubes from the community and shipping them over to Malawi to their team of 12 trained tailors currently working in Cycle of Good’s social enterprise for repurposing into products such as wallets, bike accessories and homewares.

 

The scheme, which has gained over 37,000 users since its launch back in 2017, plans to donate old inner tubes from the 650 bikes available in Glasgow, alongside those of community cyclists who wish to give back.

 

nextbike MD Krysia Solheim said she was thrilled to be bringing the initiative to the city;

 

“We’re so pleased to be able to bring this new initiative to Glasgow and support efforts in the community to help those who are less fortunate.”

 

Cycle of Good’s work is making a real difference with this community-based project. I know the Glasgow Cycling community will want to support that and nextbike is delighted to be able to coordinate that support in this way.”

 

We are urging the public to think twice before throwing away their old wheels and instead allowing them to have a second chance of use in Malawi.”

 

Kelly Shenton, Business Manager for Cycle of Good said:

 

“It’s great to be working with nextbike to highlight our work in Malawi and commitment to recycling to the Glasgow community. The inner tubes donated will go towards the creation of countless opportunities for both business and education for the Cycle of Good community.” 

 

Local cyclists are encouraged to leave their donations with staff at Bike for Good’s office on Haugh Street, Glasgow.

 

The Glasgow nextbike scheme is backed by Glasgow Council to reduce congestion, free up parking spaces and provide a healthier way to travel around the city.

 

For more information, please visit www.nextbike.co.uk