Re-Cycle your old bike with Halfords and make a difference in rural African communities

Across the UK millions of bikes lie unused and rusting, whereas in some parts of Africa, a bike can provide a lifeline enabling people to travel to work, school and carry goods further afield to sell.

Since 2013, Halfords have been working with Re-Cycle to gather donated bikes to send to rural Africa. Working together Halfords have collected just under 60,000 bikes and sent over 270 containers filled with around 117,000 bikes have been shipped to Africa, which would otherwise have ended up in landfill

With over 70 Halfords drop off locations across the country, now more than ever we are encouraging our customers to Re-Cycle their used bike when they decide it's time for a new one. 

History of re-cycle

Please select from the following options:

How it works

1 iconIf you have an old bike that you'd like to donate then please contact your nearest Halfords store to check if they are taking part in the scheme. Find your local store here.

2 icon The store can inspect it and prepare it to be loaded into shipping containers to make their way to the Re-Cycle headquarters where it will be cleaned, safety checked and loaded up onto a container to make it’s way to Africa.

3 icon Once it’s arrived in Africa your bike will then travel to one of the many rural villages where it will be re-used by the local villagers. Re-Cycle will also take the time to show them how to maintain and fix the bike so they can keep riding for longer.

What types of bikes do we need?

Mountain bikes and hybrids - these strong bikes are particularly suitable for unmade African roads

City and commuter cycles (often with 3-speed hubs) - these are very practical cycles and 3 speed hubs are low maintenance

Shopper bikes - these are very easy to ride, even for inexperienced cyclists, and are very quickly adjustable for riders of different heights

Road bikes - although these are not good for rough, unmade roads, they can be sent to a few projects based in cities that have a network of tarmac roads. Touring bikes are sturdy and have load-carrying fixings and capacity

Smaller bikes with 20” – 24” wheels – are perfect to help children get to school

Electric bikes – We accept electric bike donations as these can be stripped for parts.

Please note: Re-Cycle are unable to accept children’s bikes (12-18" wheel) or full suspension bikes.

What condition does the donated bike need to be in?

Re-Cycle are very pleased to receive any adult bike that is in at least a reasonable condition or better. We ship all sizes of bikes to Africa except small toddler bikes.

As long as a bike can be refurbished into working condition without needing hours and hours of work they can send it. Re-Cycle can also accept damaged and/or broken bikes provided it is reasonably clean and not rusted up as we can strip these for spare parts. These parts are loaded alongside the bicycles. Spare parts are vital to ensure that bikes can be repaired and kept going.

Please note that Halfords stores CANNOT accept part bikes.

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