Throughout the 2023 season, Markham and Newmarket Cycles partnered with York Region Solid Waste to conduct an amazing new program through their Circular Economy Initiatives Fund. Called ‘Recycle to Ride’, the program allowed people to sign up to receive a free refurbished bicycle and learn some hands-on basic bike maintenance skills. This year, 272 participants came out to participate in in the program.
People of all ages attended to pick up a new way to get around, replace the bike their kids had recently outgrown, get familiar with their local bike hub, and gain some knowledge in basic bike maintenance. At Markham and Newmarket Cycles, we have always worked to break down the barriers that stop people from cycling and know that buying a bike can be one of those major hurdles. Through Recycle to Ride, we gave 244 bikes to community members for free and stripped 58 unusable bikes for parts. We’re so thrilled that the program allowed us to accelerate our capacity to increase bike access in Markham, Newmarket, and beyond.