Bikes Donated to Cycling Group Led by Addiction Support Agency

Police have donated twelve pedal cycles to be used as part of a local cycling group led by an addiction support agency which assists people with their recovery.

Twelve unclaimed bikes which have been recovered by police were donated to a group of people who access the service Recovery Connections in Middlesbrough.

Chris Hall, a volunteer at Recovery Connections, set up a local cycling group for clients in recovery but only had three bikes available for use, so there was limited capacity for the group to grow.

Having appealed unsuccessfully for more bikes to be donated locally, Chris then approached police for help.

Detective Constable Libby Malcolm, who works in Cleveland Police Integrated Offender Management Team, organised for twelve unclaimed bikes from the Force property store to be donated for use by the cycling group.

Detective Constable Malcolm said: “It is great for us to be able to get involved in something like this, which promotes positive change and benefits the individuals involved, but also aids their recovery and reduces the necessity to commit crime.

“We’re really happy to donate these unclaimed bikes so that they can also help others to recover.”

Chris Hall said: “As a group of volunteers with Recovery Connections we have set up a group of bike riding enthusiasts and decided between ourselves that it would be an idea to open this up to the wider community in recovery.

“The aim is to provide access to bikes and educate people to both maintain bikes as well as organising cycle rides as a group.

“We also want to promote exercise and general wellbeing with a group of like-minded people, as well as a feeling of purpose for those involved.

“Thank you very much to the police for the donation of the bikes to help us with this group.”

Photo (L-R): Colin - Recovery Connections, Chris - Recovery Connections, DC Libby Malcolm from Cleveland Police, Andy - Recovery Connections, Amanda Chapman - Probation Officer, PC Martin Lindsley from Cleveland Police, Jackie - Recovery Connections