Central Bedfordshire Council and Houghton Regis Cycling Hub win national award for bike recycling scheme
A scheme giving donated bicycles a new lease of life in Central Bedfordshire has won a national award.
The project, run by Central Bedfordshire Council and The Cycling Hub, Linmere, was named Team Modeshift Partnership of the Year.
So far, 48 bikes have been donated to the scheme, which refurbishes them for residents referred by social workers, social prescribers and schools.
The scheme helps people access employment, education and leisure opportunities, reduces travel costs, improves wellbeing and physical activity, and enables children to take part in Bikeability training and travel independently.
The winners of the Team Modeshift National Travel Awards 2026 were announced at a ceremony at Old Trafford, Manchester, on Wednesday (November 11), with this year’s theme being “Team Modeshift United: Better Everyday Journeys Together”.
The 15 awards at the event celebrated the “partnerships between councils, schools, employers, health bodies and charities leading the way on sustainable and active travel across the UK”.
Nick Butler, Leo, Modeshift, said: “What makes these awards so special is that they are decided by the industry, for the industry. To be recognised by your peers is the highest compliment in our sector, and every one of this year's winners has shown outstanding commitment to improving everyday journeys.
"In our 25th anniversary year, it is inspiring to see their work creating healthier, more sustainable communities across the UK, and setting an example others can follow.”