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Welcome to Velo Vision magazine, covering specialised bikes, cycling as transport and human power. It's a quarterly dose of cycle inspiration.The current issue is Issue 16. The next issue is out early March 2005.
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2000th British post office bike recycled in AfricaOver 2000 'retired' post office delivery bicycles have now been recycled and sent from the UK by the charity Re-Cycle for a new lease of life in South Africa. According to Recycle's press release, the 2000th ex-delivery bike milestone has been reached just six months into the project, which provides a transport lifeline for communities who would otherwise have to travel great distances by foot. UK Minister of Trade Richard Caborn attended the ceremony: "I commend Royal Mail for their efforts, and for the significant difference that their bikes are bringing to others. This is an excellent example of what the British government is keen to encourage: companies putting the important concepts of corporate social responsibility and environmental awareness into practice." Royal Mail's bicycle disposal policy enables the business to donate up to 4,500 of their 33,000 fleet of bicycles every year to good causes, as new Millennium bikes are phased in on the seven year replacement policy. Alan Todd, Head of Social Programmes for Royal Mail said: "Royal Mail has the largest fleet of bicycles in the UK, and we are thrilled the older bikes are being put to such good use and people are genuinely benefiting". The sturdy bikes, designed for carrying heavy loads are being used in poor communities for many different tasks including carrying goods, equipment, water, and school books. Some school children now don't have to walk miles to and from school, and adults with jobs in the cities don't have to spend a quarter of their daily income on transport. To assist local communities with much needed transportation, South African charity Afribike, which handles the bike distribution, has introduced "bike aid franchises" which promote cycling and create work opportunities in cycle maintenance and training. Gustav Erlank, Afribike's Managing Director, commended Royal Mail's efforts: "Royal Mail is a great contributor to our programme. Bike ownership has made an immeasurable difference to people of all ages." Posted on 04 January 2001 Your comments ...
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