At The Bike Station, every bike that rolls through our doors has a story. Some have been outgrown, others left untouched in a garage for years. But when they arrive at one of our branches—they gain a new lease of life and go onto a new adventure!
Each bike we receive is carefully assessed by our skilled team of mechanics. This is where the magic begins. Some bikes need a little TLC to become roadworthy again, while others provide parts for future repairs. Nothing goes to waste. It’s a process rooted in our commitment to the circular economy and reducing landfill.
The bikes that can be repaired undergo a full refurbishment, breathing new life into them. Our mechanics work tirelessly to ensure every bike is safe, reliable, and ready for the next adventure. Some of this work even happens through our innovative Prison Project, where participants gain valuable skills as they help restore bikes.
But the journey doesn’t end there.
Once refurbished, these bikes are set on paths that ripple far beyond our workshop. They might find a new home on our shop floor, where they’re sold at affordable prices and then reinvested into our community work. Or they could become part of those community programs themselves, helping people learn bike repair skills, access sustainable transport, and embrace healthier lifestyles.
For families, there’s the Wee Bike Library: an incredibly valuable resource for parents who want to get their kids cycling. Here, children’s bikes can be borrowed and exchanged as they grow, ensuring every young rider has access to a properly sized bike without the financial strain.
By extending the life of every bike, we’re not just making cycling accessible—we’re tackling the growing problem of waste. Did you know that in 2024, we recycled six tonnes of tyres and tubes that would otherwise have ended up in landfill? That’s the equivalent of eight newborn grey whales! And every refurbished bike helps keep materials in use, contributing to Scotland’s vision for a circular economy.
At The Bike Station, a donated bike becomes so much more than the sum of its parts. It’s an opportunity—for someone to commute sustainably, for a child to enjoy their first ride, or for a family to connect through cycling. It’s also a way to support healthier, connected communities while championing the principles of reuse and repair.
Want to be part of this journey? Whether you’re donating an old bike, looking for your next set of wheels, or supporting our programs, you’re helping us turn unused bikes into vehicles for change.