PCSO Lynn Peck, Bike Recycle participant Tommy, PC Mark Acott and Streets for Growth founder Darren Way Pic: Met Police

Tower Hamlets and the Metropolitan Police Safer Transport Command teamed up to donate over 200 bicycles to three London charities.

First to receive their donation was Poplar based charity Streets of Growth, who were given 80 bicycles.

The bicycles will be used for Bike Recycle, a cycle restoration initiative the charity deliver in partnership with the Metropolitan Police.

Through Bike Recycle, young people in Tower Hamlets are given the opportunity to learn how to refurbish a bicycle, which is theirs to keep once it is complete, with the option to progress onto a Level 1 and 2 City & Guilds in Cycle Mechanics.

Darren Way, founder of Streets of Growth, said: “Streets of Growth set up Bike Recycle to improve relationships with higher risk youths and the police.”

“Young people aged 14 to 21 build bikes to improve carbon emissions in their neighbourhood and for overcoming the stigma of postcode gang issues in their neighbourhoods. Our programme also helps young adults with a mode of transport to and from job interviews and careers.

A further 160 bicycles were then donated to Motorvations and GetMoreBikes.

The unclaimed bicycles had been sitting in Bethnal Green Police Station’s yard, when Tower Hamlets Borough Commander, Dave Stringer, decided they should be donated.

PC Mark Acott, from the Safer Transport Command, said: “It is disappointing that our enquiries were unable to reunite these bikes with their rightful owners. We are however pleased that these bikes can make a contribution to society through the hard work of these charitable organisations.”