The operator of the Tyne Tunnels, TT2, is working in partnership with Recirculate to provide refurbished bikes, throughout 2026, to its local communities through its partnerships with regional charities and organisations.
Twenty pre-loved bikes have been given to the Percy Hedley Foundation’s Percy Hedley and Northern Counties schools in Newcastle as part of the Recirculate project, which gives unused bikes a second life.
The refurbishment work was carried out by The Oswin Project in partnership with prisoners at HMP Northumberland. Every bike was fully serviced and certified as road safe by a qualified bike mechanic before being donated to the schools.
The donation means more pupils can now take part in cycling activities to support their wellbeing.
Staff say the bikes have made an immediate positive impact and are being used regularly by pupils.
CEO at TT2, Adrian Wallace, said: “By combining sustainability with practical community benefit, this initiative is ensuring more young people can access the physical and social benefits of cycling, regardless of their background or circumstance.”
The Recirculate project reduces waste by refurbishing and redistributing bikes that might otherwise go to landfill, while also creating positive social outcomes by providing work to prisoners and supporting community groups most in need, with the renovated bikes.
John Preston, Chief Executive of the Percy Hedley Foundation, said: "Physical activity forms a key part of our offering, and our students have already been making great use of the bikes. They’ve been especially popular at our Bike Club, where learners enjoy riding together at lunchtime as a fun, social activity.
“Community support like this really matters. It helps us continue to give the people we support more opportunities to build confidence, independence and enjoy experiences with their peers."
Recirculate was co-founded by Infrared Capital Partners, one of the private infrastructure investors behind the Tyne Tunnels’ operator, TT2, alongside Equans UK & Ireland and Vercity.
TT2 runs an extensive ESG programme to support its local communities which includes partnerships with many charities and organisations including Recirculate, St John Ambulance, St Oswald’s Hospice, Greggs Foundation, Tiny Lives Trust and Red Sky Foundation.
The Tyne Tunnels Community Fund supports over 40 charities every year and the 120-strong TT2 team are active volunteers in the community.
