Since the Bike Station October 2002

Over 8000 bicycles have been donated.

Where do the bikes come from? Mostly from the generous public, who have found them in skips, or abandoned and left to rot on stairwells throughout Edinburgh. Bicycles have been found in ditches, in the canal, forty were left in Edinburgh halls of residence and bicycles have even come to us after being abandoned in the railway station. Some aren't wanted because the owners have bought a newer bike, grown out of their bike or have decided to clear the shed. We've even been given a brand new bike that was won in a raffle.

The Bike Station is certain that providing affordable, roadworthy transport is a good way to encourage more people to get cycling, as well as making sure that bicycles don't end up in landfill sites when they could be put to good use.

The recycled and refurbished bikes go to a wide variety of places, mostly in Edinburgh and Lothians but some have ended up in Fife, Glasgow, the borders and even in Germany.

The Bike Station also provides local organisations and charities with bicycles for the people they work with. The following are some examples.

ELCA (Edinburgh and Lothian Council on Alcohol) West Lothian Service Users Group - "Absolutely amazing - you are doing a very worthwhile job, Well done to all of you."

Old Town Housing Association - 2 pool bikes to be used for messages, and short trips.

Shelter Families Project - 10 children's bikes for Christmas presents.

The Access Point - Bicycles have been supplied to homeless people along with assistance in maintaining them. "This has had a significant impact on people's ability to get to know the area where they have taken tenancy after being homeless. The bicycles have also provided a low cost recreational activity, very important in boosting confidence and improving quality of life."

Redhall Walled Garden - Scottish Association for Mental Health - "several service users have attended workshop sessions and have benefited socially and gained new skills as well as fixing their bikes".

We have 35 volunteers on the books at the moment.

Bike Station volunteers come from all over the world and bring a huge range of skills to the workshop, hopefully learning new and various skills in return. 30% of Bike Station volunteers are from abroad - Spain, Italy, Germany, Holland, Poland, France and even further away - Canada, Afghanistan, India and countries in Africa. Volunteers hear about us through friends, biks shops, newsletters, noticeboards, the Volunteer Centre, Schools, youth hostels and the tourist information centre.

Everybody at the Bike Station would like to thank those that have volunteered, donated, bought or taken an interest, and for making the Bike Station's start so successful. Thank you.