“The Bike Project provides the first step into normal living for those who have faced persecution and atrocity”

Helen Bamber OBE

As we celebrate our second decade, our 2023-24 Impact Report highlights how we have transformed the lives of over 13,000 refugees in the UK through cycling.

Over the past 11 years, we have developed an innovative, sustainable model combining social enterprise with the reuse of second hand bikes. This approach delivers life-changing support for refugees while creating positive societal and environmental benefits. 

The Impact: Transforming Lives Through Cycling 

1
REFUGEE BIKE RECIPIENTS

are cycling weekly for essential journeys within three months of joining our programmes. They report better physical and mental health, happiness, and life satisfaction. 

1
TONNES

of carbon emissions have been prevented through our model of re-use; contributing to more sustainable and active communities.

1
REFUGEE BIKE RECIPIENTS

are saving money on transport costs, with total collective savings of up to £13.7 million, enabling them to access vital services.

The Challenge: Barriers to a Fresh Start 

“Four out of five refugees cannot access essential services due to lack of affordable transportation” – The Bike Project Refugee Transport Poverty Survey 2024

For refugees navigating life in the UK, the barriers to rebuilding a life are immense. Our research from March 2024 paints a stark picture: 

🚲 Refugees often spend over half their asylum support allowance on transport.

🚲 84% must choose between paying for transport and essentials like food or healthcare. 

🚲 31% cannot afford transport even in emergencies. 

🚲 87% of charities surveyed said they help cover travel expenses for their service users. 

This lack of affordable transportation creates significant obstacles, making it harder for refugees to access essential services, secure education or training, and connect with their communities. 

“The Bike Project is doing something practical for refugees. That’s what we need.
The Bike Project has a totally different approach.” –
SADAF

The Bike Project tackles these challenges with immediate practical and holistic support: 

Bike Donations & Refurbishment
We refurbish second-hand bikes and provide them to refugees, offering them affordable, reliable transportation. 

Bike Buddies
Refugees are paired with volunteer cyclists, promoting social inclusion and reducing isolation.
 

Pedal Power
Cycling lessons for refugee women build confidence, skills, and independence.
 

Repair or Replace
Ongoing bike maintenance ensures continuous access to safe and reliable transportation.
 

The Impact: A Bike Can Be Life-Changing 

My life has absolutely improved; it’s better than before.
When I came here, I was struggling, confused, stressed—life here was hard. English was difficult; it was hard speaking to people.
Now
I’m in college, I know I have to keep improving myself, be more social, and plan for the future.

Jalal

In 2023-24, we expanded from London and Birmingham into new cities like Manchester, Sheffield, and Leicester, supporting an additional 1,843 refugees with bike donations. Our programmes – Bike Buddies, Pedal Power and Repair or Replace – supported 212 refugees collectively, and are vital components in empowering refugees to overcome daily challenges.

We know our work impacts on:

🚲 Mobility: 90% of refugees use their bikes for essential journeys every week.

🚲 Poverty relief: 85% save on transport costs, an estimated £20 per week.

🚲 Social Participation: 80% feel less isolated, with 85% saying they now feel part of a cycling community.

🚲 Health: 90% of refugees have improved their physical and/or mental health.

Challenges & Future Goals 

The hostile asylum system and rising cost of living continue to pose significant challenges for refugees in the UK. Many still face poverty and isolation, exacerbated by policies like the Illegal Migration Act. 

While we advocate for systemic changes—lifting the ban on work for asylum seekers, increasing asylum support, and ending the hostile environment—we know that refugees cannot afford to wait for these changes to take effect and need practical solutions today. This is why The Bike Project remains focused on the immediate and long-term proven practical, physical, emotional and social benefits of getting refugees cycling. 

Looking ahead, we plan to expand our reach to Leeds, Bradford, and Luton in the coming year, bringing freedom and opportunity on two wheels to even more communities. By focusing on sustainable funding and partnerships, we will continue empowering refugees, improving their mobility, wellbeing, and ability to rebuild their lives – one bike at a time.

A bike cannot fix a broken asylum system, but it actually really helps. It helps a lot.

Hassan Akkad, Bike Recipiennt & BAFTA Winner

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