Frome Community Bike Project has donated £8,500 to a local initiative aiming to create a multi-user path connecting Frome to Radstock.
At the recent Frome’s Missing Links annual general meeting, the bike project revealed that over the last financial year they donated £1,500 to the group’s Crowdfunder campaign, followed by a further £7,000 in April.
Just two miles outside Frome town centre lies the start of the Colliers Way – a family-friendly, traffic-free path to Radstock enjoyed by walkers, runners, riders and cyclists alike.
Frome’s Missing Links group aims to extend this route alongside the existing railway line, continuing onto the riverside footpath and into Frome itself.
“Our trustee group were astonished to hear how much the Bike Project was donating,” said Frome’s Missing Links trustee Ruth Knagg.
“We thought they would need to cover their own operating costs for several years before being able to donate profits. It’s utterly marvellous, because we have an ongoing need to raise funds to complete the remaining sections of off-road cycle paths, which will make riding and walking around Frome much safer and more enjoyable. Thank you so much to everyone involved at Frome Community Bike Project.”
Frome Community Bike Project is a local, non-profit bike recycling centre and community hub dedicated to making cycling accessible to everyone. They recycle, repair and sell bikes, while also offering community events, training and support to help people of all ages and abilities enjoy cycling.
Since launching in January last year, this is the first time the project has been able to donate to Frome’s Missing Links.
Director Emma Parker said, “We’re really proud of this achievement and very grateful to everyone for using our services and supporting our work. A big thank you – we couldn’t do it without you.”
“We’d also like to thank our amazing volunteers who give up their time to expertly fix bikes in the workshop, confidently lead group rides, help at our busy events, and do everything else needed to keep us running smoothly.”
“We are absolutely overjoyed to be able to make this donation to Frome’s Missing Links. Our volunteers have worked incredibly hard to make the project a success and the support of the community has been amazing. We’re looking forward to another successful year and have lots of plans to continue supporting and encouraging cycling in Frome.”
Recently, a section of pathway was re-opened as part of Frome’s Missing Links project, following a successful fundraising campaign.
The 1.3km path links the Colliers Way terminus to Elliots Lane in Hapsford and can be accessed from Buckland Road in Great Elm or via the Colliers Way. Originally laid in 2018, the path’s rough surface was unsuitable for horses, bikes, scooters and wheelchairs.
After raising £27,000 last autumn, the route received a £140,000 upgrade, improving access to National Cycle Network route 24.
If you are interested in volunteering with Frome Community Bike Project, visit www.fromebikeproject.org/what-we-do/volunteering for more information.
Emma added, “We’re especially keen to expand our retail assistant team, particularly on Saturdays, so if you can spare an hour or two on a Saturday, please email emma@fromebikeproject.org.”
Pictured: A Frome Community Bike Project group ride to Mells
