Abandoned bikes to bring Christmas joy

The Public Transport Authority last week gave the Department of Corrective Services a batch of abandoned bicycles for recycling and distribution to disadvantaged children at Christmas.

The bicycles will be stripped, refitted and repainted by offenders on community orders and distributed through Outcare’s Santa’s Workshop in Cannington.

PTA Cycling Integration Manger Jim Krynen said he was pleased to see the abandoned bicycles being recycled into the local community.

“A number of bicycles are left behind on the Transperth system each year,” Mr Krynen said.

“While every effort is made to reunite them with their owners, there are some – usually in pretty poor condition – that are never reclaimed.

“Being able to donate these bicycles for a recycling program is much better than them becoming landfill.

“Having a bike is a big part of most childhoods. It is excellent to see that these bicycles that were in such a state can be recycled and given to children who may not otherwise have had the means.”

Department of Corrective Services Deputy Commissioner Heather Harker said the bicycle program at Tamala Park was one of many community work projects around the state.

“Projects such as these provide offenders with the chance to give back to the community – and this one in particular will provide some real Christmas cheer to those in need,” she said.

“Community work projects contribute around $3 million dollars per year in valuable work for local communities and give offenders the opportunities and skills to start to turn their lives around.”

PTA CEO Reece Waldock has also thrown his support behind the bicycle donation.

“I’m glad to see that the PTA is able to help the community in this way,” he said.

“We look forward to seeing the bicycles bring many smiles this Christmas.”