Before you get your bike…
You have just been invited to collect a bike from The Bike Project. We are an organisation that gives 2nd-hand bikes to refugees and people seeking asylum free-of-charge.
In the UK, there are specific rules that cyclists have to follow to stay safe, and guidelines on how to prevent your bike from being stolen. Before you come to collect your bike, please read the important information below…
PLANNING YOUR JOURNEY
When planning to come and collect your bike, please be aware that bikes are not allowed on UK buses and are restricted on most underground trains.
If you reach us by bus, you will not be able to travel home with your bike using the same method.
We recommended that you plan your trip using overground train lines – it is quite likely you will need to cycle for some short sections as well! Smartphone apps like Google Maps or Citymapper have unique features that will help you devise your best route home.
We will also help you plan your journey when you arrive for your appointment, and give you £5 in cash towards your travel costs.

HOW TO LOCK YOUR BIKE
Bike thefts are very common in the UK – it is a big problem.
We will give you a lock when you come to your collection appointment, so you can keep your bike secure. It is important that you lock your bike every time you leave it unattended, even for 30 seconds to go into a building.
If you can, bring your bike indoors overnight and always take your bike lock with you when you go for a ride.
Follow the video instructions below to learn how to use your lock securely.


Using Your Lock
✅ When storing your bike outdoors, the best way of keeping it secure is to attach your lock to the bike’s metal frame, the rear wheel, and a fixed bike locking point – CLICK HERE TO VIEW SUITABLE BIKE LOCKING LOCATIONS.
If you have an additional cable lock, loop it through the front wheel, and connect it to the lock at the rear (as shown in the video).
✅ When storing your bike indoors, it is still a good idea to attach your lock to the bike’s rear wheel – that way your bike cannot be wheeled away quickly and easily.
🚫 AVOID locking your bike wheels only
🚫 AVOID locking your bike frame only
🚫 AVOID locking your bike without attachment to a fixed and secure point
🚫 AVOID leaving your bike in the same outdoor location for more than 24 hours
CLICK HERE for more information on cycle security in the UK
USING YOUR LIGHTS
It is against the law in the UK to ride your bike without lights on public roads between sunset and sunrise (when it’s dark). And occasionally the police do issue financial penalties to riders in the evening without both a front and rear light.
But don’t worry – we will give you a set of lights when you come to collect your bike!
⚪ Your WHITE LIGHT should always be attached to the front of your bike
🔴 Your RED LIGHT should always be attached to the rear of your bike
It gets dark very early in the winter – so make sure that you have your lights with you, whenever you take your bike out for a ride.

STAYING SAFE ON THE ROAD
⛑️ Your Helmet
Whilst – according to UK law – you do not have to wear a helmet whilst out riding, we strongly recommend you do so. If you happen to fall off whilst riding, your helmet reduces your risk of head injury by 85%, brain injury by 88% and severe brain injury by at least 75%.
We will give you one when you come to collect your bike.
🦺 Riding Safely
Riding on the pavement/sidewalk is not allowed in the UK… so when you ride your bike on a road or cycle-path, its important to be observant and aware of your surroundings…
- Respect other road users and follow the highway code for cyclists at all times.
- Stay behind large vehicles such as lorries and buses. Do not try to overtake or squeeze through tight spaces in traffic.
- At traffic lights – 🚦 – you must stop at every red light, this is the law.
- Remember, if you are lost, or somewhere new, busy or just feel unsure, pull over to the side of the road and walk your bike to a quieter road or area.
🤝 Bike Buddies
If you’re looking to improve your confidence on your bike, and would like to go on a few rides with someone who lives close to you, our Bike Buddies programme will introduce you to another rider in your area.
The Bike Project has created a series of short cycling guidance videos so you can ride safely in your area.