This year marks our 10th anniversary at The Bike Project. Over the past ten years, we’ve developed a sustainable model of reuse that creates positive impacts for refugees and people seeking asylum.
At The Bike Project, we believe in the power of bicycles to transform lives. Our dedicated team of 27 passionate individuals with diverse skills and experiences is committed to helping refugees embrace the joy of cycling. By providing bikes and support, we empower them to navigate their new lives with confidence.
As we’ve grown, we’ve adapted to the changing needs of the communities we serve. Our core activities are designed to meet these evolving requirements, ensuring that our impact is both meaningful and long-lasting. With hubs in London and Birmingham, we reach out to refugees all across the UK.
For a decade, The Bike Project has been empowering refugees and asylum seekers, leaving a profound impact on their mental health, financial stability, and the environment.
1
bikes donated
1
of carbon emissions avoided through reuse
1
£ saved on transport costs
1%
of bike recipients say their mental health has improved
The Problem
We understand the challenges faced by refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK. Fleeing persecution and war, many find themselves in a hostile environment, unable to work and reliant on limited allowances. Asylum claims can take years to process, leaving individuals destitute and vulnerable, struggling to meet their basic needs. In 2022, cash allowances for asylum seekers were capped at £40.85 per week, with those in boarded accommodation receiving only £8.
In the UK, there are over 230,000 people living in these challenging circumstances, while there are as many as 38 million unused bikes across the country. We believe that matching the two can provide immediate financial relief and practical benefits.
When you have to go from charity to charity to feed yourself, a bike becomes very important to your life.
Adam, Bike Recipient
Our solution
Our mission is simple: each year we match refugees and people seeking asylum without the means or money to get around with the many thousands of bikes that go abandoned and unwanted, that we have lovingly refurbished. We then support these new bike owners to realise the financial, emotional, practical and physical benefits of cycling.
Bike ownership is more than just transportation; it’s a tool for empowerment. With a bike, refugees and asylum seekers gain the freedom and independence to explore new areas, connect with communities, and improve their mental and physical well-being. Moreover, owning a bike enhances their access to essential support, education, and employment opportunities. Beyond empowering individuals, our work also has a positive environmental impact. By refurbishing unwanted bikes, we reduce emissions associated with building new bicycles. Moreover, cycling is the most sustainable form of transportation; therefore, by promoting eco-friendly transportation, we are contributing to a greener planet.
The Bike Project provides the first step into normal living for those who have faced persecution and atrocity.
Helen Bamber OBE
What we have achieved
In the past fifteen months, we’ve supported more people than ever before, extending our reach from London and Birmingham to cities like Manchester, Coventry, Teesside, Oxford, and Cambridge.
Our bike donation initiative collected 6,102 unwanted bikes, out of which 2,506 were refurbished and donated to refugees along with essential accessories. Additionally, we’ve facilitated connections by matching 39 individuals with local Bike Buddies and empowered 105 women through our Pedal Power programme. With the help of 139 volunteers, we’ve hosted 242 events online and in person, strengthening our community further.
Our achievements represent more than just numbers; they signify lives touched and communities strengthened. We’re proud of our accomplishments and look forward to continuing our impactful journey.
I use my bike to travel to my job. It is healthier because I am cycling. It is free so I save money, or I use the money for my kids or other needs instead of spending it on traveling costs. It is also timesaving. I like cycling because it gives me some freedom of traveling.
Edris, Bike Recipient
The future
We want to provide refugees and asylum seekers across the UK with the transformative benefits of cycling. To achieve this, we focus on core objectives, carefully managing our resources and exploring diverse income sources, including income through retail activities.
In the coming year, our roadshow will reach new communities in Manchester, Leicester, and Sheffield. We’re investing strategically in volunteer support, ensuring our services make a lasting impact. Despite challenges imposed by hostile government policies, we remain dedicated to improving the lives of refugees and people seeking asylum through the transformative impact of bikes.
I feel very confident…I’ve started to think there’s a lot of things I just said in my head and I think I can’t do this, can’t do this. Now I know if I, if I really want to do something I should give it a go first. And, if it doesn’t work then I know I tried. Rather than just sit back and think oh it’s difficult.
Anonymous, Bike Recipient
