Revive and Ride Community Scheme

On Wednesday 22 July 2024, Surrey Choices launched its latest eco initiative in Redhill at the Longmead Community Hub to help the community get moving. 

The Revive and Ride Scheme begins with the rescue of bicycles abandoned at the dump. Recovered by recycling company Suez, the bikes are taken to Ford Prison in Arundel, where inmates give them a new lease of life. Once ready for the road, the bikes are delivered to the Longmead Community Hub’s purpose-built storage shed, donated by the Surrey Valuing People group. 

The bikes then take on a new purpose as Surrey County Council’s qualified cycling instructors teach disabled people, along with other local community members, how to ride a bike and, in time, how to ride on the road. The first groups to benefit from these free adult cycling lessons include the Asian Women’s Wellness Hub and Valuing People groups, facilitated by Marnie Cotterill and the community development team at Reigate and Banstead Council, and Active Surrey. 

To keep the bikes running smoothly, disabled people supported by Surrey Choices will have the opportunity to learn bike maintenance, to make sure none of these bikes ever end up on the dump again. 

Jackie Doe, Senior Operations Manager at Surrey Choices says,  

“I am really excited about the start of this project which will provide the people that we support and the local community to opportunity to learn to ride a bike or get more confident. The project is rooted in social value, and we are really pleased to have been able to join together with Valuing People, Active Surrey, and Surrey County Council to make this pilot project happen.”

 Marnie Cotterill from Surrey County Council says,

“It has been a positive experience working in partnership with other departments within Surrey, with Surrey Choices and the East Valuing Peoples Group to bring the joy of cycling to the local community! Our ambition is to deliver this pilot across the county so all communities can benefit from having access to bikes and enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits that cycling can bring.”

Lawrie Baker, Head of Active Communities at Active Surrey says, 

“We’ve been thrilled to take part in this project with Surrey Choices. Upcycling disused bikes is a huge opportunity to enable hundreds more people to get active.  

Did you know, over half the population doesn’t have access to a bike? Cycling is such an easy way to be more active – and in doing so – to transform your physical and mental health. Not to mention reducing your carbon footprint. It’s win, win, win!” 

Sinead Mooney from Surrey County Council says,

“We believe that everyone – regardless of their ability – deserves equal access to opportunities that can help them live their best life. This scheme is a great example of multiple partners pulling together to help our residents develop new skills, have fun and open up new possibilities for green travel.” 

If someone you know would like more information about Surrey Choices Supported Internships. Contact info@surreychoices.com or call 01483 806806