MORE than 1,000 bicycles have been donated to a bike library scheme created as part of the Yorkshire Tour de France legacy in the month since it launched.

The unwanted bicycles have been donated by the public at donation stations across Yorkshire, before being repaired and reconditioned for use at bike libraries, to ensure all children in the county have access to a bicycle.

Due to the popularity of the scheme, organisers Yorkshire Bank and tourism body Welcome to Yorkshire are calling for more individuals and businesses to volunteer to be donation stations.

Liz Tattersley, bike libraries project manager, said more libraries would be opening in the coming months.

She said: “The reaction from the Yorkshire public has been absolutely fantastic, and to have had a thousand bikes donated to the Bike Libraries initiative is a brilliant milestone.

Sir Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, added: “This milestone, and the success of the Yorkshire Bank Bike Libraries already, is a testament to how determined the people of Yorkshire are to make this county a cycling heartland now and for future generations.”

For details, visit bikelibraries.yorkshire.com