The award-winning Yorkshire Bank Bike Library project has reached a milestone figure today by opening its 50th library.

The award-winning Yorkshire Bank Bike Library project has reached a milestone figure today by opening its 50th library.

The landmark library was launched in Hawksworth Wood, Leeds, at a ceremony attended by Sir Gary Verity DL, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, Councillor Debra Coupar, Executive Member for Communities at Leeds City Council, and pupils from Hawksworth Wood Primary School, many of whom will benefit from the new library.

The Yorkshire Bank Bike Library scheme was launched as a legacy of the 2014 Tour de France Grand Départ and has one simple aim: to give every child in Yorkshire access to a bike, for free.

Since the scheme started three years ago it has gone from strength to strength and over 5,700 bikes have now been donated by people across Yorkshire, resulting in over 57,000 opportunities for children to cycle.

Sir Gary Verity DL, Chief Executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: "We're thrilled to have reached such a significant milestone for this inspirational and hugely rewarding project.

"The Yorkshire Bank Bike Libraries are part of our vision that every child in Yorkshire should have access to a bicycle, and with every new bike library we open, we are one step closer to achieving that goal.

"Leeds has wholeheartedly embraced our scheme over the last three years and we're delighted to have opened the 50th library in Hawksworth Wood."

Helen Page, Group Innovation & Marketing Director at Yorkshire Bank, said: "In just three years this amazing programme has provided over 57,000 opportunities for people to ride a bike.

"Today's opening of the 50th Yorkshire Bank Bike Library is a landmark achievement for the dedicated team that have got this scheme into every corner of Yorkshire.

"It's so rewarding to hear about how the bike libraries have transformed lives - both for those that benefit from riding the bikes and also for those that truly feel part of something meaningful by being involved in getting the donated bikes ready for use."

Councillor Debra Coupar, Leeds City Council's Executive Member for Communities, said: "I have been delighted with the response from the public to the bike lending schemes which have opened in libraries and community hubs across Leeds.

"It is fantastic therefore, that the 50th Yorkshire Bank Bike Library has been launched in our very own Hawksworth Community Hub. I can't wait to see members of the local community enjoy this fantastic initiative."

The initiative has also had meaningful impact on the communities in which they are based, from helping people suffering from mental health issues to find solace, right through to teaching children struggling with autism how to ride a bike. To see first-hand how the bike libraries are changing people's lives, visit 
www.ybonline.co.uk/bikelibraries

5 years ago
Written by Ama Butler

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