September 2008

1st September
Free your bikes, says council


Pictured L-R are: Roger Bangs (Spokes), Nina Hosking (resident),
Lewis Duncan (Rickmansworth Freecycle), Cllr Martin Trevett
(Cabinet Member for the Environment, Three Rivers District Council).

Few garages are without a bicycle gathering dust and rust. Three Rivers District Council is calling on residents to get out the oil can and either make use of their old bikes or give them away.  

Three Rivers' Cabinet Member for the Environment, Cllr Martin Trevett, said: "Three Rivers cycle paths are part of the national cycling network and if you prefer to cycle off the road there are also plenty of other spaces such as the Aquadrome and the Grand Union Canal. I would encourage people of all ages to use their bikes but if you're never going to use it, please just sell it or you can give it away to a friend or neighbour or on one of the Freecycle web communities."

Freecycle is like e-Bay but there is no exchange of money. As well as bicycles people can give away or claim a whole range of items including electricals, baby goods and furniture. Membership is free and the groups are not-for-profit.

Lewis Duncan, founder of Rickmansworth Freecycle web group, said: "We now have over 500 members who are giving things away and claiming other free items. Freeycle is very flexible - you don't have to swap with the same person who you are claiming something from. All we ask is that you register to give something away so that the network can grow and flourish." 

Rickmansworth Freecycle has been backed by South Wests Herts cycling group, Spokes. Spokes' Roger Bangs said:
"People can easily forget just how much fun cycling is - its healthy and low cost. South West Herts is a great place for cycling both on and off road. We would encourage cycling for short journeys and for fun. Spokes organises local cycle rides, anyone over 16 with a bike is welcome to join us."

Resident Nina Hosking said: "I've just signed up to Freeycle and am passing on a bike we no longer use - it's actually very easy to sign up. Giving things away and claiming items you need is the most simple way to recycle. Once you've used something, like a children's bicycle, you can even post it back onto the website and someone else can get the benefit."

Other Freecycle groups include Chorleywood and Watford. To find out more, residents can visit www.freecycle.org

Spokes can be reached at www.spokesgroup.com