Active Cycles Wins BASIS Community Impact Award

Active Lancashire is proud to announce that its project, Active Cycles, has won the prestigious BASIS Community Impact Award. This award recognises the significant achievements of Active Cycles in promoting environmental sustainability, community wellbeing, and active travel across Lancashire.

BASIS (the British Association for Sustainable Sport) is the UK's sustainability hub for the sports industry. As a not-for-profit organisation, BASIS has supported sports clubs, venues, and governing bodies for over a decade, helping them reduce their environmental impact. Their mission is to empower the UK to become a world leader in sustainability within sport, using the power of sport to drive positive change in communities. The BASIS Community Impact Award acknowledges projects that demonstrate exceptional contributions to environmental and social sustainability.

Active Cycles, a social movement based in Accrington, is dedicated to transforming discarded bicycles into affordable, sustainable transport options. Managed by Active Lancashire, the project collects bikes from waste sites, local councils, and public donations, refurbishing them for resale at significantly reduced prices. Adult bikes are available for just £50, while children’s bikes are sold for £25, ensuring cycling remains an accessible and eco-friendly choice for the local community. By reducing waste and promoting active travel, Active Cycles helps minimise the environmental impact of discarded bicycles.

In addition to selling affordable bikes, Active Cycles runs a range of community outreach initiatives. Earlier this year, the project distributed 150 bicycles in just 11 weeks through a pop-up shop at Burnley’s Charter Walk shopping centre. Active Cycles also supports NHS staff with bike loan schemes and partners with local prisons, offering prisoners the chance to learn valuable skills through bike refurbishment, aiding in their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

Darren Wright, Director of Communities at Active Lancashire, expressed his excitement over winning the BASIS award:
“We’re absolutely delighted to receive the BASIS Community Impact Award. Our mission has always been to make cycling affordable, reduce waste, and bring real benefits to our local communities. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, partners, and volunteers. We’re incredibly proud of the positive social and environmental change we’re fostering, and we look forward to continuing this important work.”

Active Cycles’ commitment to sustainability, affordable transport, and community development has made it a leading force for change in Lancashire. Winning the BASIS Community Impact Award solidifies its position as a model project, demonstrating how local initiatives can simultaneously address environmental challenges and improve the lives of the people they serve.

For more information about Active Cycles and its community projects, please visit www.activelancashire.org.uk.