Established in 2021, reCycle is a scheme which takes donated bicycles, reconditions the bicycle to a safe and functioning standard, and then provides this bicycle for free to Argyll & Bute residents who apply.

The main aim of this scheme is to encourage people to cycle as part of their everyday short journeys and to ensure cycling is available to all.

This scheme aims to support individuals and families and promote cycling to all ages and abilities. To date, over 300 bicycles have been provided to residents throughout Argyll & Bute!

Download the application form here.

Please note- from April 2026 young person/adult bicycles are only provided for free to those seeking employment or training.

Download our information document here.

Find us here.

See what we accept as bicycle donations here.

This project is funded by- 

 

Project Manager Jamie and Cycle Technician Ian at our busy site at Kilmory! 

Passing the fully refurbished bikes on to local families.

reCycle has a few key features to ensure cycling becomes a way of life in Mid Argyll:

• Cycling Scotland’s ‘Adult Cycle Training' practical on road cycle training is provided with every bicycle to ensure the new user has the skills and knowledge to be safe and confident on their bicycle. This is open to individuals and families.
• The bicycle is fully checked/serviced by a qualified bicycle technician prior to supply. Following this, technical support is always available to upskill and empower the new cyclist, to maintain and repair their bicycle.
• Support is available to the bicycle user should they feel the bike does not fit their needs. We can assist with bike setup for comfort, advise on accessories to enhance the bike, or change the bike to something more suitable, for example.
• This scheme is based entirely on the need to reduce reliance on car use for short journeys and does not consider financial status. It is open to all Argyll & B uteresidents.
• In addition, this scheme saves bikes from going to landfill. Bikes in any condition are accepted and we can often make use of some part of the bicycle.

All ACT Now project work on bicycles is undertaken or overseen by staff fully qualified to Gold Velotech Standard

Project contact

If you require any more information about this scheme contact ACT Now Project Officer, Jamie at [email protected]

We are constantly looking for donations to meet the demand for bicycles. If you have a bicycle or bicycle parts you wish to donate, we would love to hear from you. In most instances we can collect from your home or place of work. Please contact Jamie ([email protected]) if you have any donations. 

*** low cost long and short term cycle hire now available. Contact for more details [email protected] ***

Some of the many users of the reCycle scheme

Feedback from scheme users:

"The bike scheme is fantastic! It has enabled me to take up cycling, reduced my reliance on the car and public transport, and saved me a considerable amount of money as well....The scheme has afforded me the luxury of owning a bike, travelling virtually anywhere I please without the worry of damaging the environment." JO

"Many thanks for providing a bike for my son. He managed to go for a bike ride just around our village despite stormy weather and he’s very happy with it…We are really grateful for your help. It was a nice experience dealing with you as you kept us updated about the bike being ready.” HW

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Other cycling services provided by reCycle

servicing and labour costs

basic service – £30

This service is perfect for bikes that are in good condition, have no significantly worn components but require a tune up of the brakes/gears and a safety check. Included in this service:

• Brakes adjusted (new cables if required)
• Gears adjusted (new cables if required)
• Tyre pressures checked
• Full bolt check 
• Minor adjustments to bearing assemblies
• Chain lubricated 

standard service – £50 

This suits most bikes that are used fairly regularly and requires some TLC. Most bikes will fall under this if they aren’t requiring major work. Included in the standard service:

• Everything included in the Basic Service
• Wheels trued
• Drivetrain cleaned on bike (*), lubricated and adjusted
• Wheel bearings adjusted (if possible)
• Headset bearings adjusted (If possible)
• Bottom bracket bearings adjusted (if possible)
• Fitting up to 4 parts (**see exclusions)

**Exclusions/surcharges: Fitting of bottom brackets, headsets, tubeless setups, forks, wheels, hub bearings, internal routed cabling, spoke replacement, brake bleed, mudguard fitted, bar tape wrapping. Removal of seized bolts/components 

individual/specific repairs and servicing (outside of general services)

We have the tooling and expertise to carry out an array of different repairs from a puncture repair or brake bleed, through to wheel building and fully customised builds. We generally charge by the hour for these services at £30/hr (before parts). 

We are now qualified, to Cytech standard, to deliver ebike repairs and servicing. We are a registered Bosch Service Centre offering the full suite of professional Bosch services.

To find out more or book a service email [email protected] 

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ACT Now is a Cycling Scotland Training centre offering Adult CycleTraining free to reCycle applicants.

Carr Gomm Staff throughout Argyll and Bute have undertaken Essential Cycling Skills provided by ACT Now.

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ACT Now also provide community cycle repair and maintenance workshops.

These workshops can be tailored to suit the needs of the audience though will always have an emphasis on community empowerment and self reliance. 

We have provided support to Oban Big Bike Weekend, 19th Argyll Scouts, Live Argyll Youth Work 'GIVE' programme, The Fyne Den, Macleod Construction Ltd, Ardrishaig Girl Guides, Lochgilphead Primary School and many more...

We can supply cycle technician equipment and tools for up to four participants at any time in an indoor or outdoor setting (with outdoor event shelters also supplied).

All work undertaken by participants is advised, assisted and overseen by a Velotech Gold Standard Cycle Technician. 

Please contact for further information and prices.

  Fully supported hands on training and support to local groups.

Testimionials-

Due to the success of the event with the support from ACT and the resulting feedback from members, we decided to offer the Cycle to Work scheme to all employees. This had generated a lot of interest and amongst the orders we have two E-bikes requested and
approved....We have found the support from ACT invaluable and are seeing real benefit with our members now choosing to cycle for commuting and enjoyment.  GM, Large local employer.

Again, many many thanks for Saturday, it was such a great workshop you ran and as we said, about 20 bikes repaired. You guys are extremely professional. KR, Craignish Village Hall.

If you feel inspired by any of the above and need to give your bike some basic maintenance before heading out on the road visit the MS Centre in Lochgilphead. We have worked in partnership to install a fully equipped bicycle repair station, free for all to use.

Jamie and Claire Cameron, Outreach Worker at the MS Centre with the newly installed ACT Bike Repair Station