A new Government fund from June means that cycling is about to become the safest and healthiest way to commute and our most important means of getting around. The Bike Project is helping people to get set up on two wheels and stay on the road safely whilst supporting refugees and asylum seekers living in London at the same time.

New Govt fund

The start of lockdown saw more people buying bikes than ever before. With the extra £2 billion cycle and walking package and a national cycling plan to be unveiled next month, this trend is set to continue.

Cycling brings great benefits of being healthy, brings a sense of freedom and avoids transport fares. But only a fraction of us know how to properly fix our bikes and service charges can add up. The need for some core bike maintenance skills has never been higher.

Post lockdown skill: bike maintenance

To support refugees and asylum seekers living in London and to help the rest of us with our post lockdown skills, The Bike Project are offering virtual one on one Dr Bike sessions with pro mechanics and sells perfectly refurbished second-hand bikes. During the online session, people will receive help from an expert and learn new essential skills. The cost of each session and the sale of every bike goes straight back to helping refugees and asylum seekers who desperately need two wheels.

Refugees and asylum seekers

Refugees and asylum seekers are among the most hurt by the closure of charity and community services during lockdown. They now need bikes more now than ever before. The Bike Project helps by taking second-hand bikes, fixing them up and donating them to refugees and asylum seekers living in London, to help off-set the cost of commuting as refugees are only given a stipend of £37.75 per week to live on. To support refugees and asylum seekers during lockdown, The Bike Project has also started Cyber Cyclists, a daily program of lessons centred on the bike – from bike maintenance to cycle-focused fitness sessions.

How a bike helps refuges and asylum seekers

Having fled persecution and atrocity in their country of origin, most refugees arrive in the UK with absolutely nothing. A bike helps them access food banks, legal advice, healthcare, education and much more. If they’re lucky enough to receive official refugee status, a bike can help refugees find employment.

The Bike Project has launched an emergency appeal so that they can continue to supply bikes to refugees and asylum seekers living in London during the lockdown. Instead of asking beneficiaries to risk their health on public transport to pick up their bike, The Bike Project will deliver bikes direct to their homes.

Visit The Bike Project to sign up for a Virtual Dr Bike Session, donate towards the Emergency Appeal or give your old bike a new life. www.thebikeproject.co.uk