We’re really proud to unveil our new 3D display in the window of “Future Leap” - the Future Economy Network’s Sustainability Hub on Bristol’s famous Gloucester Road. Our very own Craig (who as well as being a member of our “Bike Back” team, is also a talented designer) has produced an engaging board game to explain the work we do with prisoners, the benefits it brings to them and our offer to the wider community.
We are delighted to be re-launching our ‘Cycle Buddies’ scheme in Bristol – and this time we’re open to people of all ages and backgrounds who want to become confident, regular cyclists.
Our Cycle Buddies are competent cyclists who volunteer to help others build confidence on two wheels. They have an excellent knowledge of local, cycle-friendly routes in Bristol - and provide pressure-free support and company to people who don’t feel comfortable cycling alone. Best of all, the scheme is offered free at the point of use.
We are now offering up to two FREE cycle stands to community groups and small businesses in North Wiltshire through our “Take a Stand®” scheme. This is possible thanks to funding from Wiltshire Wildlife Community Energy.
One year on from their successful 2019 cycling events, Chase The Sun celebrated the summer solstice with a generous donation of £1,000 to their charity partner, Life Cycle UK. Chase The Sun’s Olly Moore presented Life Cycle with a ceremonial cheque at their bike workshop in Bristol. Sadly, Chase The Sun 2020 could not go ahead due to COVID-19, but the 2019 events saw over 1,000 riders ‘chasing the sun’ by cycling coast to coast, East to West, in one day... And the team is eagerly anticipating their next rides on 19th June 2021.
Here at Life Cycle Derby, we want to take a moment to celebrate the hard work and dedication of our staff and volunteers. Since lockdown began, the team has been working flat-out to adapt our services to help key workers in a way that is safe for all. We received funding* to offer free bikes and bike servicing to local key workers.
“Bike Back” is our bicycle recycling project that teaches prisoners to refurbish broken and unwanted bikes as part of their cycle mechanics training. Just like the rest of the country, UK prisons also went into full lockdown in response to the COVID 19 pandemic. The aim was to reduce transmission of the disease from the outside and between prisoners. However, this meant all group activities had to cease – including our work training prisoners as bike mechanics.
It will have escaped no one that a lot has happened over the past few weeks! Like all small charities, we are no stranger to working with uncertainty and rapid change. Needless to say, Coronavirus has been by far our biggest challenge as an organisation.
Martin belongs of our Over 55s cycling group. Here he tells us why switching to an e bike has changed his life.
I have recently bought an electric bike: it has transformed my life. Here’s my personal account of the why’s and how’s as it may be relevant to other people, especially those who may be quite a bit older than 55 and experiencing similar challenges to my own.
At the time of writing (23rd April 2020) people are being encouraged to leave the house for exercise once a day - provided it is either alone or with people from their household.
We hope that anyone who wants to cycle is able to. We understand that there may be some confusion about what is allowed under Government guidelines - and what is safe, depending on your health status. Our advice is:
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