When fleeing persecution and war many refugees and those seeking asylum find themselves in a hostile environment, unable to work and reliant on limited allowances. With asylum claims that can take years to process, it can leave individuals incredibly vulnerable, struggling to meet their basic needs. The Bike Project is a community of refugees, cyclists, mechanics and volunteers that matches refugees without the means or money to travel with thousands of unwanted bikes in the UK. This enables them to access services, exercise and save on numerous costs.
Lizzie is their CEO and she applied to the Alpkit Foundation for some support.
“Many refugees have experienced immense suffering and trauma, including torture, and struggle with poor physical and mental health. Refugee women in particular are recognised as more likely to suffer with lower cardio-vascular fitness, PTSD, anxiety and depression, social isolation and lack of opportunity. In providing a bike and the support to use it, our programme supports some of the most excluded people in our society to be active, so they can benefit physically, mentally and financially from the freedom cycling provides.”
Their Pedal Power programme offers both group and one to one cycling lessons to refugee and asylum seeking women in London and Birmingham and Manchester who don’t know how to cycle, to support them in achieving their cycling goals, but also to offer a source of community and joy. The programme seeks to support 100 women annually, with cycling lessons led by female cycling instructors in a safe, supportive and empowering environment.
“I joined 2 months ago, it was very nice and great experience, I met with amazing people like Emy and Cath and other people, I made some friends. Before I came, I was not really a social person, I was avoiding meeting people and talking, I was a little scared of the people. But when I met, I saw that people were nice and I started going with the people. That’s why I joined, and I complete my lessons."
With a focus on learning to ride, confidence, road safety and maintenance, Pedal Power graduates leave able to cycle but also gain the sense of freedom and independence cycling provides, often for the first time in their life. They applied to the Alpkit Foundation for some support towards the costs of some of the essential equipment they provide during the programme. We were delighted to hear back on how the £300 award went towards materials for cleaning and maintaining the bikes that the women learn on, as well as equipment such as first aid kits and large thermoses to use at the sessions.
“So far this year, 64 women have attended at least one Pedal Power lesson, with group lessons running at 3 locations across London and Birmingham and one to one lessons in Manchester. Within this, we have built a wonderful partnership with Herne Hill Velodrome, who are hosting our south London Pedal Power sessions on Mondays as a part of their inclusive cycling day. They are an incredibly welcoming and warm partner and the space itself is an inspiring site for the women to learn. It’s clear that the lessons are valuable to the women participating not only to build their confidence on a bike on and off the road, but because they are a chance to meet friends, socialise, come together and be joyful, supporting their mental wellness during difficult times."
“My self-confidence has increased… It makes women independent”
Discover the work of The Bike Project and how you can support them.