The Bike Project

We know that as well as freedom and independence, cycling brings real joy to many of the refugees we support. Thank you Lime, London Cycling Campaign and LOUD MOBILITY for including us in the Share the Joy fund. 🧡 🚲

Every day, we are making a difference ✨ Meet Nadira, a proud graduate of our Pedal Power Programme, which teaches women seeking asylum how to cycle. She also joined our Bike Buddies programme, cycling with a local resident as part of this befriending initiative. Nadira has experienced numerous benefits from participating in our programmes. Here’s how it has impacted her: “The Pedal Power cycling lessons were really significant in not only improving my confidence, but overall cycling capabilities and skills. Basically, I was only able to get on a bike and pedal a little bit, but I had no control of the bike at all. After having 10 sessions, I was confident enough to get on the road. I learned to balance on the bike and had a lot more control of the bike. It was unbelievable what I was able to do after a few sessions and practicing on my own after getting a bike from the Bike Project. The work the Bike Project does is really important. The asylum seeking process is a tedious and long process. Many of us asylum seekers are looking for more ways to be active or to be part of a community, and I believe the Bike Project offers that in a lovely and supportive environment.” It's been a pleasure having you as part of Pedal Power and our Bike Buddies Scheme, Nadira! We’re so proud of the progress you’ve made and are thrilled that you’ve had a positive experience in the supportive environment we provide. Thank you for your kind words! ❤️ We’re transforming lives in some of the most challenging circumstances, with every bike, every lesson, and every befriending match. Your support can make a world of difference. By donating to The Bike Project, you’re helping refugees and people seeking asylum find confidence, community, and joy. Help us continue our vital work by contributing on our website > https://lnkd.in/dmchfahC #RefugeeWeek #RefugeeWeek2024

It’s #VolunteerWeek! ✨ We're giving a shoutout to our amazing volunteers who bring so much energy and support to our projects. Meet Lucy Russell-Bates, one of our awesome Bike Buddies 🚲 She goes on bike rides with refugees from her local area as part of our cycling befriending scheme. Here's why volunteering means so much to Lucy: “I think it's so important to directly help refugees and asylum seekers with real tangible solutions to some of their most pressing issues. I think it also helps the community feel less segregated and brings people together. I love meeting these awesome women and getting to know them. And if I can walk away feeling like I've given them one thing or brighten their day a little bit it feels amazing but they definitely brighten my days a whole lot.” Our Bike Buddies program pairs asylum seekers with local volunteers for regular bike rides. It's a great way to learn about the area, make new friends, enjoy the outdoors, and get a little escape during what can be a tough time adjusting to life in the UK 💜 Want to join us as a Bike Buddy? We'd love to have you! Head to https://lnkd.in/erns5SPa to apply 🙌

The Bolt in app donation which ran last Thursday to Monday raised over £35,000 for The Bike Project! This large donation will mean we can reach 200 more refugees and asylum seekers with one of our upcycled bikes and provide them with sustainable transport. A big shout out and thank you to Bolt and each and every passenger who used the special category.

We are proud to have contributed to this report.

We are proud to have contributed to this report.

We are heartbroken by the news that a seven-year-old girl, a woman and three men have died attempting to cross the English Channel. On the same day, The Safety of Rwanda Bill was passed.  The bill is designed to stop people crossing the channel, we do not believe this will deter people from making the crossing. People come to the UK on boats because of the lack of safe and legal pathways. The solution is to offer safe routes into our country.  Under international law everyone has the right to seek asylum. The government is offshoring our responsibility, ignoring the publics' support of refugees, and spending millions (£220m so far) to make the UK's asylum system more hostile. The Bike Project stands in solidarity with all refugees and asylum seekers, wherever they are from.

We are heartbroken by the news that a seven-year-old girl, a woman and three men have died attempting to cross the English Channel. On the same day, The Safety of Rwanda Bill was passed.  The bill is designed to stop people crossing the channel, we do not believe this will deter people from making the crossing. People come to the UK on boats because of the lack of safe and legal pathways. The solution is to offer safe routes into our country.  Under international law everyone has the right to seek asylum. The government is offshoring our responsibility, ignoring the publics' support of refugees, and spending millions (£220m so far) to make the UK's asylum system more hostile. The Bike Project stands in solidarity with all refugees and asylum seekers, wherever they are from.

Exciting news! Our latest project with Bolt is now live. All weekend until 1pm on Monday all Bolt riders in London will have the opportunity to add a 50p donation to their journey. This fundraising will mean more refugees and aslyum seekers will receive one of our donated bikes. Demand outstrips supply, so this support is especially vital right now. So if you are taking a Bolt in London this weekend please support The Bike Project and Bolt to make cities sustainable and accessible to all. 💚🚲💚

'🚴♂️💼 Looking for a team building challenge with a meaningful impact? Join Team Bike Project for the London to Brighton Cycle Ride on September 15th! 🌟 Explore the countryside, conquer Ditchling Beacon, and celebrate at Brighton's stunning seafront. Train together with your colleagues using our 16-week plan and receive fundraising support from our dedicated team members. If every team member pledges to raise £200 each, you'll each help a refugee experience the joy of cycling. Caught your attention? Email us at fundraising@thebikeproject.co.uk to learn more or reserve a place.