West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has thanked everyone who helped get a Walsall cycle club back in the saddle after thieves stole their bikes.
The Agenda 21 group, based in Reedswood Park, Birchills provides free ‘Learn to Ride’ training sessions for local youngsters, hosts bike maintenance classes and has people of all ages attend its regular guided rides for all around the park and beyond.
But the group were left devastated last month when 45 of their community bikes were stolen from a sealed container outside the community centre in Bentley Lane.
Caring members of the community quickly rallied round and 20 second hand bikes were donated to replace those that were stolen.
And now, following a request for help to West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, the group has taken delivery of a further 14 brand new Raleigh bikes, plus helmets and equipment, courtesy of Transport for West Midlands' (TfWM) region-wide Cycling For Everyone scheme.
Mr Street said: “I was so saddened to hear that Agenda 21 had been hit by thieves, as they do such a brilliant job of helping the community connect with cycling.
“It was inspirational to see how the community pulled together to help them, and I was delighted to be able to add my support too.”
The new bikes were delivered by West Midlands cycling and walking commissioner Adam Tranter.
He said: “We're delighted to be able to support this community initiative in Walsall via our Cycling For Everyone programme, the legacy project of the Commonwealth Games.
“Like many people, we were appalled to hear that the group had 45 bikes stolen - meaning local people couldn't take part in their cycling activities.
“As well as overwhelming community support with people donating bikes to the group, the Mayor and I were delighted to be able to work with Transport for West Midlands to support with 14 brand new bikes.
He added: "Groups like these show the best of the West Midlands and we're pleased to do our part in enabling local people to access cycling more easily."
Funded by TfWM, Cycling for Everyone, a Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games legacy project, includes training sessions, bike giveaways and organised rides.
The Active Wellbeing Society (TAWS) are running the Cycling for everyone bike giveaways across the region.
Sue Mellor, head of cycling with TAWS said: “When we first heard about the stolen bikes from the Agenda 21 we really wanted to help. The Active Wellbeing Society are currently distributing free bikes out across the seven West Midlands Combined Authority boroughs as part of the Cycling for Everyone program building on the legacy of the Commonwealth Games aimed at encouraging more people to cycle.