A SCOTTISH charity has celebrated a milestone achievement after donating 4000 bikes to New Scots refugees and asylum seekers.
Bikes for Refugees is a Glasgow and Edinburgh-based charity that refurbishes and distributes free bikes to refugees and asylum seekers across the country, with a particular focus in the central belt.
Bikes are donated by communities and repaired and refurbished by a team of dedicated volunteers who are also community champions on behalf of New Scots.
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The charity aims to give refugees better mobility by providing better access to essential services and meetings while also promoting positive physical and mental health.
Steven McCluskey, who founded the charity in 2017 along with his partner Beth Hall, said that “now, more than ever” is the time to “extend a hand of friendship and solidarity to refugees and asylum seekers”.
Steven McCluskey (right) (Image: Supplied)
“Providing support to 4000 people is a wonderful milestone thanks to our many community volunteers, funders and supporters,” he said.
“With a high demand for bikes and a significant waiting list your support is needed now more than ever.
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“A simple thing as a bicycle can provide a free and sustainable means of connecting with local communities and essential support services and meetings.”
McCluskey pointed towards the fact asylum seekers are given an allowance of just over £7 a day, or £9 per week for hotel residents.
The allowance is intended to cover all daily living expenses, including food, clothes, toiletries, nappies and toys, as well as public transport.
But a day bus ticket in Glasgow can cost between £5.80 and £8.30, and £5.70 in Edinburgh, which McCluskey said meant people are having to “make difficult choices on a daily basis between eating and expensive public transport costs to access essential health and other services”.
He encouraged more people to donate bicycles and to help fundraise, adding: “Check out our website for all the information that you need to be able to welcome and support New Scots and to provide people with essential mobility and the joys of cycling.”
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One individual who received a bike from the charity said that “it helped me when I first came to Scotland to make my new home here when I didn’t know anyone or where to go”.
They added: “I use my bike all the time to get around the city from my home to my work and to my college and to volunteer for projects.
“Please help by donating a bike or by fundraising. Bikes can and do make a difference to people’s lives.”
Visit bikesforrefugees.scot to find out more