FROM director of a leading company to volunteer work, Dave Parry is on a mission to promote accessible cycling in Blacon.

Former director at the Bike Factory, Dave dropped the office environment and picked up some tools in the old library building in Blacon, with the intention of making bicycles available to everyone.

Blacon Bikes, described as a ‘win, win, win for the community’, promotes cycling through the sale of reasonably priced second-hand bicycles while putting money back into the local community to support worthwhile projects.

A subsidiary of the Cheshire Used Furniture Enterprise (CUFE), Bebington-based Dave decided to volunteer his time with Blacon Bikes last year during a phased retirement, having worked at the Bike Factory since 1992.

Dave became involved with bikes after being made redundant from a local estate agency, going on to play ‘a significant role in helping to develop and expand the [Bike Factory] into its current location in Boughton’, while also using his skills to support good causes, such as providing qualified bike mechanics and minor spare parts for ‘Dr Bike’ cycling classes.

After receiving funding from Tesco and Greggs, Blacon Bikes set up a small cycling group for ‘local ladies with health issues’ under the leadership of Shirley Trow, this month's Welsh Cycling Volunteer of the Month.

Dave spoke about his new venture: “I’ve always had a passion for encouraging cycling throughout the community and the opportunity to help out at Blacon Bikes was an opportunity that I did not want to miss.

“I’ve always been actively involved in the promotion and development of cycling as a means of personal transport and I’ve assisted in many cycling projects promoted by local groups and the local authority.

“There is a genuine need for the type of service that is being provided by Blacon Bikes, offering budget level bikes for local people.

“This year we hope to repair and sell about 150 bikes, which is an increase on last year but the level of business today is totally dependent on the supply of bikes that are suitable for us to repair and sell on.

“So if anyone has a decent quality bike of any size or style in their garage or garden shed that they no longer use, please let us have it. We are very willing to collect if necessary.”

If anyone has a bike they would like to offer to Blacon Bikes, call 01244 379293 or email davidparry17546@hotmail.co.uk.