Llanelli MS helps school acquire free recycled bikes

Every child deserves the opportunity to learn to ride a bike. Lee Waters, Member of the Senedd for the Llanelli constituency, certainly thinks so – and he recently helped to arrange for Ysgol Gynradd Tycroes to receive recycled bikes as a free donation.

Ysgol Gynradd Tycroes approached Lee Waters MS hoping to set up cycle clubs and help pupils to feel confident riding a bike. However, the school had no bikes of their own for the children to use.

Mr. Waters managed to successfully organise for the school to receive the donation of free bikes from a donation and repair scheme, Free Bikes 4 Kids run by Mike Jones and based in Newport.

Lee Waters MS said:

“Mike runs a fantastic scheme, repairing bikes and then giving them to those who need them completely free of charge. Fair play to him, he did not hesitate to make the donation when he heard about Tycroes School. We were lucky as well, to be assisted by Phil Snaith of the Carmarthenshire Cycle Forum, and Teresa Ciano of Dyfed Powys Police who transported the bikes from Newport to Tycroes.”

Lee Waters was joined by Phil Snaith and Teresa Ciano, as well as Tycroes’ County Councillor, Tina Higgins, on a visit to the school where the children were able to show off their new bikes – and their new bike skills.

Speaking about the bike donation after his visit Lee Waters MS said:

“It is fantastic that these bikes have been given a new lease of life and are putting a smile on children’s faces. Free Bikes 4 Kids are doing some fantastic work and in making sure bikes do not just end up in landfill.”

Deputy Headteacher Mr Stonham said:

“The children are so pleased to have the bikes that have been provided. It is such an excellent idea, and we are extremely grateful to Mr Waters and Free Bikes 4 Kids for choosing our school to receive the wonderful array of bikes. The children loved seeing Lee at our school last week alongside the Go Safe Team. It is certainly an experience that will stay with them for a long time.”

Cllr. Tina Higgins said:

““It was lovely to see the children enjoying themselves riding the bikes in the school yard.

I would also like to thank Mike Jones for repairing the bikes and for his generosity in donating them to the school.”

If any other schools in the area or organisations which work with children would like more information on Free Bikes 4 Kids and to discuss the possibility of a donation, please contact Lee Waters MS at Lee.Waters@Senedd.Wales or on 01554 774 902.