Ashington’s much-loved Cycle Hub shifted into a new phase, hit the road and rolled into an exciting future as it joined the Full Circle Food Project—marking the occasion with a lively community open day full of activity.
With renewed momentum and strong leadership steering the way, the Hub set a new pace for supporting the community, helping more people find their balance, build confidence and move forward on the journey towards a healthier, greener Ashington.
The special relaunch event brought together local residents, partners and cycling enthusiasts to celebrate the Hub’s next chapter. Visitors enjoyed a range of activities, including refurbished bike sales, live repair demonstrations in the workshop, refreshments, and guided rides.
The Hub recently transferred from Cycling 4 Everyone to Full Circle Food Project, ensuring the long-term stability and growth of a community resource that has already supported hundreds of local people.
By bringing the Cycle Hub under its umbrella, Full Circle Food Project is now able to connect cycling with its wider work tackling food inequality, improving health and empowering local people. Based in Hirst Park, the charity sees the Hub as a natural extension of its mission to build a healthier, greener and more resilient community.
Michelle Brannigan, CEO of Full Circle Food Project, said:
“Today is all about relaunching Ashington Cycle Hub and welcoming the community to see what’s on offer. The Hub has been run successfully for the past five years by Cycling 4 Everyone, and we’re proud to be taking it forward under Full Circle Food Project.
“We’re continuing the great work that’s already been done, while building on it to create even more opportunities for local people. From repairing donated bikes and selling them at affordable prices, to offering basic servicing to keep people riding safely, everything we do is about making cycling accessible to everyone. Our aim is to help people lead healthy, more sustainable lifestyles and this addition will go a long way towards that.”
Throughout the day, visitors were able to browse a wide selection of refurbished bikes, restored by skilled volunteers and staff, and available at low cost. The workshop was also open, giving people the chance to see repairs in action and learn more about maintaining their own bikes.
A highlight of the event was a women-only guided group ride, delivered in partnership with Cycle with Jan and British Cycling’s Breeze programme. The ride welcomed new and returning cyclists and celebrated notable North East women, including Cissie Charlton and Bella Arkle with a route from Ashington to Newbiggin.
Jan Chisholm, Director of Cycling 4 Everyone and Northumberland Cycling Campaign, said:
“This is a fantastic moment for the Cycle Hub. Over the past five years, it’s been powered by volunteers delivering training, rides and repairs. Now, working in partnership with Full Circle Food Project, it has the energy and resources for its next phase. It really feels like a new dawn.