Youngsters get on their bikes in North of city

Mary
Authored by Mary
Posted: Thursday, February 18, 2016 - 06:17

Young people in the North of the city are being given a helping hand to get on their bikes, thanks to Plymouth City Councils Youth Services and local Neighbourhood Police Team.

A pilot bike maintenance and recycle project was launched in Southway last July to try and support young people in achieving healthy lifestyles and learn basic bike maintenance skills so that they could have access to cheap and affordable modes of transport

The first lot of bikes were donated to the Southway Ramp Forum project from M.B. Waste Removals, this was followed by donations from your workers, community members and the Police. The ramp forum gives young people a safe space to use their BMX’s, Scooters and Skate boards. During these sessions the young people could repair their own bikes with parts donated, or work on a bike to be donated to young people in the community.

15 year old Jack said: “The bike project is a good idea as it gets everyone involved, and working with the police has enabled us to form friendships of trust with the local police.”

Councillor Sue McDonald, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Public Health said: “Projects like these are a fantastic opportunity for our young people. Not only do they have fun but it gives them a safe space to practice their hobbies. The brilliant thing about this particular project is it gave the young people the chance to give something back to their local community.”

Carl Snell, the local PCSO for the area said: “The creation of the Police BMX is an excellent way for the neighbourhood team to engage with local kids. It was great at breaking down barriers with young people who helped on the initial work and now the maintenance of the BMX. All the kids want to have a ride on it and try to get some air! The joint work between the police and the youth service in Southway is growing and becoming stronger which this project is a good example of this.”

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