Local groups to refer residents in need of a bike

[First published by LBHF Council on 27 January 2021]

Refurbished bikes are being offered in a bid to encourage more of us to cycle safely around the borough.

A partnership between a Fulham bike shop and a  local charity is spearheading an ambitious project to make professionally restored bicycles available for free.

Made possible by £10,000 of grant funding, the scheme will focus first on key workers responding to the Covid pandemic, such as care staff and delivery cyclists, as well as those looking for work. But if popular, the ultimate target is to provide more bikes to encourage people of all ages and backgrounds in H&F to cycle and walk safely.

Pedal Back Cycles based at 24 Lillie Road in Fulham and Hammersmith charity UNITED in Hammersmith & Fulham have joined forces to channel cash from a walking and cycling grant programme into boosting cycling in the borough. Local residents in poverty who are referred by a trusted local organisation are eligible to receive the bikes.

Nikky Redford, who founded Pedal Back Cycles with her partner Ria Moore, said: “The grant money will help us turn a dream into reality – upcycling abandoned bikes and donating them to those most in need.

“The global Covid-19 pandemic has shown us that enabling people and communities to cycle is more important than ever, and the benefits are not just physical – cycling and access to bikes is mentally and socially transformative.

“We’ve always believed in making cycling as accessible as possible by being open, honest, approachable and fun.”

How it works

Local community groups can refer local adults to join a waiting list to receive a suitable bike when it becomes available as part of the reuse scheme.

When a match is found between budding cyclist and bike, they will be given free training to smoothly get back on the roads and will be invited to join a supportive cycling community.

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

The partnership is keen to get referrals to represent the borough’s diversity.

The grant aid of up to £10,000 over three years comes from TfL and the London Marathon Charitable Trust, via environmental regeneration charity Groundwork London. Find out more on the United in H&F website.

Savraj Kaur, Executive Director of UNITED in Hammersmith & Fulham, said: “We thank Transport for London and the London Marathon Charitable Trust for the opportunity to reach those who really need a bike, but might not otherwise be able to afford one.”