A new type of bike shop has opened its doors and will be run by volunteers to get people back on the saddle.

The Earlestown Cycling Project on Back Bridge Street is a community bike shop run by volunteers alongside fully qualified mechanics to get people back on their bikes and keep people cycling safely.

The Cycle Project relies on donations of old and unwanted bikes which are then repaired, serviced and safety checked before getting them back out to people who really need them at an affordable price.

Mark Harrison, who runs the cycle project said: “We aim to be much more than just a bike shop, but a real part of the community, offering training and opportunities to people struggling, as many of us are.

"We have a fully equipped service and repair centre which will hopefully generate enough income to sustain the project and the other work we do.

"We were lucky enough to receive a lottery grant to get the project up and running, but what we really need now are people to bring in their old bikes, or bikes they would like servicing or repairing and of course volunteers to keep us fully staffed”

As The Cycle Project progresses it will offer a wide range of cycling related services from bike maintenance courses, cycling first aid, Dr bike sessions and group rides.

The Earlestown Cycle Project is running alongside The Rebuild with Hope Foundation who’s main aim is to help people finding barriers to employment. Together they have created a unique environment to train and employ people from wide and varied backgrounds.

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with the Cycle Project which will provide valuable training, qualifications and progression routes for the individuals we support.

This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to provide hope and opportunities for people from disadvantaged backgrounds fostering growth and development within our community.”

Louise Atherton Managing Director of The Rebuild with Hope Foundation If you would like to volunteer at the Earlestown Cycle Project you can call in to the shop or email the cycle project at Earlestown@thecycleproject.co.uk