A once-tired storage room at the Marine Hall colonnade in Fleetwood has been transformed into a fully equipped bike repair workshop.
Thanks to £22,000 of funding from the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The refurbishment included the installation of secure shutters, new workbenches, storage units, and a full suite of tools, creating a safe, organised, and welcoming space for volunteers to carry out vital repairs.
Now open twice a week, the workshop is run by a dedicated team of local volunteers who repair donated bicycles and distribute them to individuals in need across Wyre. A simple bicycle can be a lifeline, providing a means of transport to work or school, supporting physical and mental health, and offering independence and mobility.
Tony, one of the volunteers, shared his experience:
“I really enjoy volunteering at the bike repair workshop in Fleetwood. The bikes come to us second-hand from the local community, and we repair them so they can be donated to people who really need them. Some use them for exercise or mobility, others to get to job interviews or to work, and for children it can mean having a bike when their family couldn’t otherwise afford one.
We have a small team of five or six volunteers, and I think we all get as much out of helping as the people who receive the bikes. It’s also a great way to meet new people and be part of something positive together. The refurbishment has made a huge difference—it’s now a more organised and welcoming space, which makes the repairs easier and allows us to do even more for the community.”
Since its launch in 2024, Wyre Council’s bike donation scheme has collected over 100 bicycles. So far, 30 of these have been repaired, serviced, and distributed through a network of GPs, community groups, mental health professionals, social care services, and other partners—helping to get bikes into the hands of local residents who need them most.
Recent recipients include five young people in care attending local schools, a young man starting a new job in the care sector, and a gentleman using cycling to support his mental health recovery after time off work.
Lancashire Constabulary is among the scheme’s many partners. PCSO Lizzy Bradley recently referred two Fleetwood children who now have bikes of their own. She said:
“This scheme is one for Wyre Council and the community to be proud of. The referral process is fast and effective, and the two young people who received their bikes are made up and extremely grateful. It’s a real joy to see them riding in the community. Two worthy youths deserving of this donation for sure!”
Part of a Bigger Movement: Active Travel and Wyre Moving More
The bike repair workshop is part of Wyre Council’s Active Travel programme, which encourages more people to walk, wheel, and cycle for everyday journeys. Active Travel is a convenient, accessible, and affordable way to move more, and it plays a key role in tackling physical inactivity and improving public health across the borough.
This initiative supports the council’s wider Wyre Moving More strategy, a five-year plan to embed a culture of physical activity across Wyre. Developed in partnership with health, education, and community organisations, the strategy aims to reduce inactivity levels and help residents feel healthier, happier, and better connected through movement.
Councillor Lynne Bowen, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Health and Community Engagement, said:
“It’s fantastic to see how the bike repair workshop is making a real difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s helping someone get to work, supporting mental health, or giving a child their first bike, this project shows the power of community and the importance of active travel. It’s a brilliant example of how Wyre Moving More is coming to life.”
Get involved: donate a bike or volunteer
The scheme is always looking for more support. If you have an old bike gathering dust, consider donating it: it could change someone’s life. And if you’re handy with tools or just want to be part of something positive, the workshop is also welcoming new volunteers.
To donate a bike or express interest in volunteering, email community@wyre.gov.uk or visit www.wyre.gov.uk/volunteering