Barnes Charity Bike Sale

Do you have a bike for the Big Cycle Recycle?

For the past 12 years, the Barnes Charity Bike Sale has been recycling adult and children's bikes and giving the proceeds to various charities. Bikes are brought in, they are given some much-needed TLC and sell them on. Last year 150 bikes were sold in 24 hours and over the past twelve years they've recycled 1,400 bikes and raised nearly £69,000 for charity.

Volunteers fix, clean & prep the bikes

Trisha Hawkins, the mastermind behind the sale, reflects on how it has changed since the first year when they were given twenty bikes to sell: "‘When we first started, we never dreamt how popular it would become. Without doubt the success of the bike sale is due to such a wonderful team of volunteers and a fantastic response from the local community", she says. "‘And of course, knowing the money raised is going towards charitable causes such as the Age UK Barnes Green Centre, or Glassdoor, a local charity for homeless people, helps too".

Pre-loved bikes are donated, or given for sale in return for a share of the proceeds. A team of enthusiastic volunteers check and clean all the bikes and make sure they are in working order and that in itself adds hugely to their value. The team of around 30 volunteers come from all walks of life and from all around the local community – from bike enthusiasts who use their knowledge to fix up the bikes to others who clean bikes, pump tyres and make sure everyone is kept happy with refreshments while they are working.

At the end of the sale, any left-over bikes (generally only children’s bikes) are offered to local charities where they can be put to good use. The bike sale is a great example of recycling for a good cause and is very environmentally sound. Trisha adds ‘It’s very satisfying to be recycling old bikes and making them fit for purpose again for new ownership.

Dropping off bikes:

If you have a bike to sell the team will give it some TLC and sell it on. You can donate your bike to charity or for bikes worth over £50, they offer a 50/50 share of proceeds. Bikes for sale or donation, should be brought to the church at the following times:

Buying a bike:
There are two events;
CHILDREN’S BIKE SALE - This year’s Annual Charity Sale of second hand bikes at St Mary’s Church will start with the sale of children’s bikes on Friday 12 July from 3.30 – 5.00 pm.

Queue for those bargain bikes!

TEENAGE AND ADULT BIKE SALE - The following day, Barnes Fair Day, Saturday 13 July we’ll hold the Teenage and Adult Bike Sale from 9.00 am – 12.30 pm. The gates will open at 9.00. A queue often forms from 8.00am. About half the adult bikes will be sold within an hour!

Volunteers:
The team need lots of help for each sale including bike mechanics, administrators, bike cleaners, general helpers and tea makers - visit their Vacancies page to see if you can offer some time.

May 31, 2019