Bikes left abandoned at railway stations across the Thameslink and Great Northern network are finding a new purpose, helping adults with learning difficulties gain skills and confidence.

Dozens of abandoned bikes left at 81 stations were delivered to TAG Bikes in Huntingdon on Wednesday, March 11. There, participants service and repair the bikes, which are then sold back to the community at affordable prices. All proceeds go straight back into Cambridgeshire County Council’s Supporting into Work programme.

The scheme, overseen by qualified mechanic and employment skills coordinator Rob Bierton, gives adults practical work experience, builds confidence, and opens doors to independence.

Since 2018, over 1,000 bikes have been refurbished, funding tools, parts, and digital equipment to support learners. Some participants have gone on to secure paid jobs; one is now a bike mechanic at Halfords.

TAG Bikes sits alongside other council work-based projects, including community cafés in Huntingdon, March, and Ely, all designed to help adults with learning difficulties move toward employment and independence.

The project is part of a wider effort by Great Northern and Thameslink to turn discarded items into good causes, from old uniforms to unclaimed electronics.

“The atmosphere in the workshop when we receive donations is wonderful and it’s easy to see how transformative TAG is for the adults we work with. It is only through the support of donors like Great Northern and Thameslink that we can do what we do. This partnership with GTR started many years ago and we are so grateful that they have continued to support us at TAG Bikes.

“I am very proud of what we have achieved in Huntingdon and it is extremely rewarding to see both the confidence and skills improve in the young adults we work with, but also knowing that each bike which leaves our workshop will be put to good use in the community.”

Rob Bierton, TAG’s Employment Skills Coordinator for Cambridgeshire County Council.

“TAG Bikes is just one of the projects we run as part of our Supporting into Work programme, which aims to help those taking part to develop a wide range of employability and life skills whilst improving their confidence and independence.

“The bike donations we receive are vital to the success of TAG Bikes and helping the development of our learners. I’d like to thank GTR for its generous support which helps this fantastic community initiative.”

Cllr Luis Navarro, Vice-Chair of the Adults and Health committee at Cambridgeshire County Council.