A SCOTTISH charity has celebrated reaching the milestone of gifting 3000 bikes to disadvantaged New Scots refugees.
Bikes for Refugees is a Glasgow and Edinburgh-based charity that refurbishes and distributes free bikes to refugees and asylum seekers across the country.
Bikes are donated by communities and repaired and refurbished by a team of dedicated volunteers who are also community champions on behalf of New Scots.
The charity aims to give refugees better mobility by giving them better access to essential services and meetings while also promoting positive physical and mental health.
Steven McCluskey (below), who founded the charity seven years ago, thanked all those who have donated, but highlighted there is still a “significant” waiting list due to high demand.
He said: “We need people across communities now more than ever to extend a hand of friendship and solidarity to refugees and asylum seekers and to help keep the wheels turning.
“Providing support to 3000 people is a fantastic milestone thanks to our many volunteers, funders and supporters. With a high demand for bikes and a significant waiting list, your support is needed now more than ever.
“A simple thing as a bicycle can provide a free and sustainable means of connecting with local communities and essential support services and meetings.
“Many people tell us that being active and outdoors also helps their mental health and wellbeing after having experienced much trauma, loss, separation and stress. Our work also helps to alleviate poverty.”
McCluskey explained that asylum seekers have no right to work or claim state benefits and are given an allowance of only £7 per day for all daily living expenses that includes food, clothes, toiletries, nappies, toys, and public transport costs.
He said by providing transportation with a bicycle, asylum seekers are able to mitigate public transport costs and can spend their money on other essential needs.
“Many families are having to make difficult choices on a daily basis between eating and expensive public transport costs to access essential health and other services,” McCluskey said.
“Bikes can have a huge positive impact on people’s daily lives.”
One refugee who received a free bike from the charity highlighted the positive impact the scheme has on New Scots.
They said: “My bike helped me when I first came to Scotland to make my new home here when I didn’t know anyone or where to go.
“Asylum seekers have only very limited funds available so having a bike can help people like me access employment and their community.
“I use my bike all the time to get around the city from my home to my work and to my college and to volunteer for projects- for lots of journeys, even shopping, I use my bike.
They added: “Please help by donating a bike or by fundraising.
“Bikes can and do make a difference to people’s lives”
You can find out more information on how to donate to Bikes for Refugees here.
