CHRISTIAN Concern is celebrating the success of CC Cycles by launching the new Crewe Commuter Cycle.

Over the past few years Christian Concern has been building on its bike refurbishment activities, increasing volunteers’ skills, training apprentices and selling an increasing number of bikes during the Friday sales.

Many of the bikes donated for refurbishment just need a bit of TLC and a safety check.

However, the team were left scratching their heads about what to do with donated bikes that only had useable frames or those that could only be salvaged for parts.

After noticing that many people were coming in to buy a no-frills basic bicycle that would get them from A to B and be simple to maintain, Christian Concern decided to use the saved bike frames, parts and accessories to build the ‘Crewe Commuter Cycle’.

Rob Wykes, director of Christian Concern, said: “The Crewe Commuter Cycle tends to have standard wheels and road tyres, a simple frame with no suspension to go wrong, five or six gears and is a comfortable ride for travelling to and from work.

“Last year’s apprentice Josh helped develop the concept, and is now winning plaudits and prizes for his expertise at a national cycle company.

“This year’s apprentice Isaac is equally skilled and, with a team of experienced volunteers, has taken the idea further. We are delighted.”

Naomi Graham, co-ordinator for the Cheshire Furniture Reuse Forum, said: “It’s a triple win – fewer bikes get sent to landfill, those involved get to increase and use their bike maintenance and refurbishment skills and more people can be engaged in active travel – great for their health and their pocket.”

Rob added: “Christian Concern has been lucky to link up with a national organisation who pass on bikes and frames in need of refurbishment, although more men’s bikes are always welcome. I’m thrilled we are building bikes for the people of Crewe in Crewe.”

Christian Concern collects quality reusable furniture, appliances and bikes. The furniture and appliances are passed onto local people in need based on referrals from local agencies, with any excess items sold at low cost to the general public in their much-loved Friday Furniture Sale. For more information call 01270 586186.

Pop down to the project to check out the Crewe Commuter Cycles for yourself at Christian Concern’s Friday Sale in St Pauls, Hightown.