the low down

Life Cycle and Lockdown #3

Young woman cycling in an urban setting wearing a mask

Since the latest lockdown was announced, we’ve been studying the rules carefully. We're glad that the Government continues to recognise the importance of cycling, both for safe local travel and for maintaining good physical and mental health. The good news is that Life Cycle can continue helping those who want to cycle through the lockdown. Our workshops in Bristol and Derby will stay open for Bike sales and servicing. One-to-one Cycle Buddies sessions can also continue safely.

Surviving 2020 on a tandem

Holly from RORO piloting a 'recumbent tandem' with a female participant on the front

For visually impaired, disabled and neurodivergent people, getting outdoors and taking invigorating exercise can be challenging at the best of times. But what do you do when a global pandemic hits? Luckily we have some incredible people in our ‘Two’s Company’ family who helped us adapt our service and find strength in new approaches. Here’s what they did…

The bicycle: a lifeline for keyworkers

Thembi giving the thumbs up with her new bike.

The lockdown saw a massive spike in demand for bikes as people reclaimed the roads for their daily exercise. But the bicycle served a more serious purpose too. It became a lifeline for key workers who had previously relied on public transport: Suddenly they risked catching or transmitting the deadly virus as they travelled to work - or having to walk miles every day.

How lockdown buddies beat the blues

Two male Cycle Buddies riding together in summer near a bridge and flowers

Covid-19 has forced vulnerable people to spend a lot of time at home, leaving them frightened to engage with the outside world and suffering from poor physical and mental health. Our Cycle Buddies project has supported those who would normally come on our group cycle rides - and a new group of people who wanted to ease the isolating effects of lockdown. We spoke to Simon, a Support Worker, who has referred several people into Cycle Buddies:

Free cycle parking will help Bath clean up its air

Two black cycle stands in the grounds of an old churh

Local charity, Life Cycle UK is offering free cycle stands to small organisations in Bath and North East Somerset, thanks to funding from BathNES Council.

Lord Burlington's Sponsored Cycle Raises £17,000 for Derby Charities

We are delighted to report that after being put on hold due to lockdown, our long-time collaborator Lord Burlington and his team of six, have completed their sponsored cycle ride of 208 miles raising over £17,000 for Foundation Derbyshire.

Inclusive Cycling update

Group of people at our youth project - adults and kids - around a kid's bike on a stand

We are delighted to announce some exciting Inclusive Cycling updates. We are slowly bringing things back to life after a huge amount of work from our team to get things COVID-secure. Scroll down to read on - or click the links below to skip to the relevant project:

Life Cycle features in the Future Leap exhibition

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.

Our journey from HMP Bristol to HMP Aylesbury

We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Her Majesty’s Young Offenders Institute (HMYOI) Aylesbury, in Buckinghamshire! Building on the success of our award-winning prison-based bike recycling projects, we will now be offering all these benefits to the young men at (HMYOI) Aylesbury.

Cycle Buddies are back!

Two women in cycle helmets side by side laughing

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.