*UPDATE* – Scheme has finished!

A bike can change a life

Pedal Gives Back helps those most in need

This partnership between a Fulham bike shop and a local charity makes free, professionally restored bicycles available to encourage people to cycle around the borough, as part of a wider recycling scheme in conjunction with National Rail

Made possible by £10,000 grant funding, the scheme focuses on those in poverty for whom a bicycle will make a big difference. This can be to enhance physical activity, or provide an affordable way for those in need to to reach places of employment, study or interviews.

Some people find it a challenge to motivate themselves to enjoy outside spaces, and a bike can help their mental health and boost well-being.

How does the scheme work?

Local community groups can refer an adult to join a waiting list for a suitable bike from the reuse scheme.

If you’re an H&F community group working with people on low incomes, please refer adults including, but not limited to, those who are:

  • Key workers
  • Care staff
  • Refugees
  • Delivery cyclists
  • Unemployed.

These individuals must be on one, or more, of the following benefits:

  • Universal Credit (net earned income of no more than £7,400 as assessed on most recent assessment period)
  • Income support
  • Income-based jobseeker’s allowance
  • Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • The guarantee element of Pension Credit
  • Child Tax Credit (not also entitled to working tax credit and with annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
  • Working tax credit, run-on-paid for four weeks after one stops qualifying for working tax credit.

As always, we want to receive referrals for people from all backgrounds, beliefs and orientations, to represent the diverse make up of our borough.

Please note that we only accept referrals from non-profit groups working in the borough, not from individuals. Recipients will have to show proof of being in receipt of benefits.

What happens after the referral is submitted?

We will:

  • Confirm your referral has been received
  • Try to find a suitable match according to height and other preferences. Waiting times will differ, and a match cannot be guaranteed, as bikes are donated
  • Alert you if a match is found. We expect you to have checked the required proof of income, e.g. benefits correspondence, from the recipient
  • Sometimes we ask the recipient to answer questions about the impact their bike has had, for communications and reporting (identity can be hidden).

More about Pedal Back Cycling

Pedal Back Cycling was founded by two South London ladies with a passion for bikes, food and coffee. With an open workshop, the space is a warm and welcoming hub where you can buy a new bike, get your bike repaired or serviced, and enjoy a coffee, cake or beer. With the focus on the city cyclist, they stock and work with independent brands and designers and offer honest advice and a relaxed and fun approach to cycling.

Case Study

Mehri works with West London Welcome – a community run for and with local refugees, asylum seekers and migrants of all ages.

They strive to provide a safe, positive experience of community to reduce isolation, build inclusion and confidence, challenge injustice, and enable people to access the support, education, advice and advocacy they need.

Mehri referred Hosain & Duraid to #pedalgivesback and they now have the independence to get around London for work, whilst improving their physical and mental health.

Nikky Redford who founded Pedal Back Cycles with her partner Ria Moore.

“This is an impressive example of collaboration between a charity and a cycle shop to increase cycling in the borough by targeting the help to those who need it most,” said Cllr Wesley Harcourt, H&F Cabinet Member for the Environment.

Ria sitting in the bike shop

Got a Question?

If you have any queries, please get in touch with us.