About

Since the COVID epidemic, Torfaen along with all other areas throughout the UK are seeing an increase in people taking their bikes for leisure recreation, commuting and general fitness.

This is fueled in part by the cost a variety of cycles available, combined with the availability of safe cycle routes within Torfaen, link the north and south of the borough and the growing number of quality off road cycle routes, ranging from established cycle tracks such as Cwmcarn to a large number of bridal paths and mountain trails that are easily accessible to the bike riding communities of Torfaen.

There is also a significant number of individuals that live outside the borough that rate Torfaen and its surrounding areas very highly for its challenging road cycling routes. This has been further amplified by the success of the Welsh Velathon which attracts riders from all over the UK & the rest of the world to the area.

The net result is that more people within Torfaen are taking to their cycles and everyone that owns or has access to a bike needs to have it maintained and serviced at some point during their ownership. There is a distinct shortage of bike maintenance facilities in Torfaen. The existing project team have done an excellent job in establishing the project, equipping the Bike maintenance and storage areas ensuring that Changing Gearz is well positioned to exploit and provide a much-needed service the cycling community of Torfaen and visiting cycle tourists.

Inspire Project

Changing Gearz is part of the Inspire project In Torfaen who support young people aged 11 to 19. We provide young people with an opportunity to engage in structured and accredited courses and activities to help improve their confidence and skills and provide them with quality training and support.

The project provides a range of courses for young people on bicycle maintenance and also instructors led safer cycling activities to improve their health and well-being, using the local cycle tracks and canal paths.

As part of our project, our qualified staff work closely with young people on refurbishing and updating donated and unused bikes to a high standard to reintroduce back into the community.

Developing confidence & helping to build positive relationships

Volunteering with us

Help us make a difference!

Changing Gearz has previously provided volunteering opportunities to members of the public who have the skills and interest in supporting young people and fixing bikes and helping the project have a positive impact on young peoples and the greater community. The project desperately needs some help with some of the initial practical activities needed in the bike project that is helping to strip down bikes; and reconstruct them, and a range of small-scale building work to ensure the building is best served to support young people!

The Changing Gearz project is registered with Torfaen Voluntary Alliance and with the Wales Council for Voluntary Action and is delighted to offer the opportunity for members of the public to volunteer with the project in a number of potential ways.