The global Covid-19 pandemic and current cost of living crisis exacerbated the need for bikes, with many worried they are unable to safely or affordably reach places of employment or interviews, or finding it hard to motivate themselves to access outside spaces and in need of a bike to help their mental health and boost their wellbeing. It has shown us that enabling people and communities to cycle is more important than ever, and the benefits are not just physical; cycling and access to bikes is mentally, emotionally and socially transformative.

 

We partnered with HF Giving to spearhead this project by working with local community groups to reach those most in need. South West Railways gave us access to bikes that had been abandoned at their train stations, and a London Walking and Cycling grant from Groundwork UK enabled us to turn our dream of upcycling abandoned bikes into reality.

Over the course of the two year project, we expect to have saved close to 100 bikes from landfill and provide a sustainable and effective transport option to homes which would otherwise be disconnected from affordable travel in addition to boosting the health and wellbeing of our local community.