Recycled: Bikes abandoned at Hull station revamped and donated to community
Train operator TransPennine Express (TPE) has donated around 70 abandoned bicycles left at Hull Paragon station over the past six months to a local charity to be recycled and given to the community.
The bikes, found in varying conditions around the station and within the cycle hub, have been handed over to R-evolution, a Hull-based organisation.
The charity will revamp and reuse the bikes rather than disposing of them as waste, with more than 800kg has been diverted from landfill – supporting TPE’s ongoing commitment to reducing its environmental impact.
Steve Gilder, Environment Delivery Lead for TransPennine Express, said: “We are really proud to support R-evolution in their work promoting active travel and social inclusion.
“This initiative is a win-win – we’re improving our recycling efforts, keeping our station tidy and supporting people across the region with access to bikes to use them.”
A spokesperson for R-evolution said “We take old or unused bikes donated by the public and organisations across the Humber region and use them as practical training tools for our growing group of volunteers and trainees working toward cycle mechanic qualifications.
“These opportunities support a wide range of outcomes—from improving employability and building confidence to boosting mental health and encouraging social connection.
"Once refurbished, the bikes are either:
- stock for our Bike Library events in schools and communities,
- sold at affordable prices to help fund our outreach work, or
- used by partner organisations and given out to help people attend interviews or get to work.
"It’s a circular model—what starts as waste becomes a pathway to opportunity.
“We’re incredibly grateful to TransPennine Express for this generous donation, which will help us continue supporting communities across the region”
To find out more about R-evolution’s work or to donate a bike, visit: r-evolution.org.uk