The Bike Project Submits Evidence to APPG Inquiry: Active Travel as a Tool for Social Justice
December 9th, 2024
By Nicola Hill, Head of Grants and Impact
Today we are proud that Lizzie, our Chief Executive, will be contributing evidence to the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Cycling and Walking’s inquiry into Active Travel and Social Justice. This is a crucial opportunity to amplify the voices of refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK, highlighting how transport poverty entrenches inequality and advocating for bold policy changes.
Refugees and the Crisis of Transport Poverty
Refugees in the UK face a mobility crisis that goes far beyond transportation. Many are forced to make impossible choices – 84% of refugees in our 2024 Refugee Transport Poverty Survey reported prioritising transport costs over basic needs like food or healthcare. For others, the cost of public transport is so prohibitive that walking long distances becomes the only option, with 60% doing so regularly and half missing critical appointments such as medical check-ups or legal hearings.
The impact of this lack of mobility ripples outwards, affecting access to education, employment, and even spiritual practices, as 41% of respondents said they struggled to reach places of worship. For those already navigating the trauma of displacement, this isolation can be devastating.
How Policy Worsens Transport Poverty
The barriers refugees face are not accidental; they are a direct consequence of government policies under the hostile environment framework. Policies that prohibit working and force asylum seekers to subsist on as little as £8.86 per week, leave no room for transportation costs. Cuts to legal aid create further delays in asylum claims, trapping people in a cycle of poverty and immobility.
Other policies compound the problem: The two-bag baggage rule, for example, makes it impossible for those being relocated to bring essential items like bikes. The 28-day move-on rule – which today has been officially extended to 56 days for a trial six-month period – also disrupt established routines by forcing newly recognised refugees out of their accommodation with little notice, often leaving them homeless and without belongings, including bicycles. And for those housed in temporary accommodation, issues such as lack of secure bike storage and high theft rates actively discourage cycling as a practical solution.
The Human Cost of Inaction
The consequences of these policies are clear. Refugees who cannot afford transport experience profound isolation, with 43% reporting difficulty accessing vital services like legal advice. Many also endure deteriorating health, as walking long distances takes a physical and mental toll, particularly on those recovering from trauma.
Women and children are disproportionately affected. Women often face cultural and practical barriers to cycling, while families with children struggle to access schools and healthcare. These challenges further entrench inequality, making it harder for refugees to rebuild their lives.
A Call for Change
To unlock the potential of active travel, bold and systemic changes are needed. The hostile environment policies must be reversed, starting with making the extension to a 56 day move-on pilot a permanent change, lifting the work ban for asylum seekers and increasing asylum support. Practical changes, such as scrapping the two-bag rule, would allow refugees to retain essential belongings, including bicycles.
Community-led initiatives like ours also need greater support. Investment in organisations that provide free bikes, cycling lessons, and ongoing support can make a tangible difference. Infrastructure improvements, such as safe cycling routes and secure bike storage in public spaces, are also essential for scaling active travel solutions.
Breaking down social barriers is equally important. Cycling programs that address intersectional barriers, particularly for women, can build confidence and inclusion, while anti-discrimination policies can ensure refugees feel safe on public transport and in public spaces.
Our work at The Bike Project
At The Bike Project, we witness first-hand the power of active travel to change lives. Since our inception, we have donated over 14,000 refurbished bikes to refugees, easing financial strain and enabling access to essential services. Our Pedal Power programme empowers women to cycle confidently, breaking down barriers and increasing independence, whilst Bike Buddies creates networks of support and belonging, helping refugees combat isolation.
Inspiration from Community-Led Solutions
The potential of active travel is already being realised in initiatives like Cycle Sisters, which empowers women to cycle, and the Transport for West Midlands Scheme, which offered free public transport to refugees. These examples show that with the right investment and approach, tailored solutions can overcome even entrenched barriers to refugee mobility.
A More Equitable Future
Transport poverty is both a symptom and a driver of inequality. By investing in active travel and dismantling harmful policies, the UK can take a meaningful step towards social justice. Mobility should never be a privilege – it is a right that unlocks access to opportunity, inclusion, and a brighter future.
To learn more about how we are empowering refugees through cycling and advocating for change, visit www.thebikeproject.co.uk/impact. Together, we can ensure that everyone has the freedom to move forward.
