The Bike Project.
The Bike Project is focused around, well – bikes. Because, in case you hadn’t guessed – we think bikes are important. They can provide transport to work or school; they can widen employment opportunities. The offer an eco-friendly way of travel; they keep us fit; and they bring us the achievement of finally getting to the top of that huge hill – and the terrifying joy of the ride down. But that’s not all it’s about. Because we believe in community, in giving back, and in the notion that everyone should have access to the joy that comes from learning to ride.
Want to help us out? Don’t forget you can donate your unwanted bikes. They’ll go on to be refurbished, recycled and reused as a part of our training course, and will later go on to make stock for our bike libraries, or to be sold in our workshop at accessible prices. Sounds great, don’t you think?
Cottingham Bike Centre
Our Cottingham Workshop not only provides the perfect base for our Bike Project training programme, but allows us to provide a variety of services for our community. Refurbished bikes are sold at prices that are accessible to all, and repairs and services ensure that our cycling community stays safe. For those that want to know a little more, we offer cycle maintenance training classes, or we open up Community Workshops; and, for those that might struggle to get to us – we attend events across the region. Last year alone, we attended over 40 events, speaking to over 6,500 members of our community. Aren’t you a chatty bunch?
Bike Libraries
We know that not everyone has access to a bike. And we know that not everyone has the means to buy or hire one, either. But bikes bring experiences. Experiences that no one should miss out on. So we’ve made sure that they don’t.
We’ve implemented over 20 bike libraries across the Humber region, and beyond. Stocked by us, and our refurbished bikes – these libraries offer the opportunity to borrow a bike – for free. They’re carefully placed to ensure they’re accessible to those that need them most, so you’ll find them in schools, main employers or other specialist sites. And because we want to make sure everyone’s safe – we service and maintain them too.
We’ve implemented over 20 bike libraries across the Humber region, and beyond. Stocked by us, and our refurbished bikes – these libraries offer the opportunity to borrow a bike – for free. They’re carefully placed to ensure they’re accessible to those that need them most, so you’ll find them in schools, main employers or other specialist sites. And because we want to make sure everyone’s safe – we service and maintain them too.
The Training Programme
The idea that kick-started a million more. Our aims as a charity are always underpinned by a love of learning, and The Bike Project training programme is about just that. Based in our Cottingham workshop, it provides training and work opportunities to those that are struggling to get back into work. They work towards a City and Guilds Level 1 or 2 Cycle Mechanic qualification, and are continually supported with Life Coaching, peer mentoring, soft skills development, and the fail-safe warmth of a good cuppa.
We also know the benefit that comes from community – and we want our Trainees to feel it too - so we make sure each and every one of the bikes that they refurbish goes on improve the lives of those around us. Whether they go on to make up stock for our Bike Libraries, or are sold on to the public at affordable, accessible prices – our Trainees refurbish over 1,500 bikes a year – and they see the benefit of every one.
We also know the benefit that comes from community – and we want our Trainees to feel it too - so we make sure each and every one of the bikes that they refurbish goes on improve the lives of those around us. Whether they go on to make up stock for our Bike Libraries, or are sold on to the public at affordable, accessible prices – our Trainees refurbish over 1,500 bikes a year – and they see the benefit of every one.
Prison Workshops
We thought that the ideas and concepts behind The Bike Project would be of benefit to offenders, providing them with practical, employable skills for when they’re released - and meaningful work for the time until then. The two Prison Workshops act as a first port of call for any donated bikes. Here, they are cleaned, inspected, and subject to any first initial fixes; providing work for 15 men.
The All Ride Fleet
We’re keen to ensure that everyone gets the chance to ride a bike – and that includes those that might need a little more than the standard two wheels, a seat and some handlebars. We will soon be working in partnership with East Riding of Yorkshire Council to develop the All Ride adapted bike fleet in Bridlington - 18 adapted bikes for people with disabilities across the area – so everyone gets the chance to ride along the promenade.
Cycle Academy
We’re well aware that the world is a changing place, which means life for our younger generations is different than it was for us. We also know, however, that there are certain skills and experiences that transcend both time and generation.
Riding a bike has brought joy, skill, and confidence to countless generations of people; and, whilst we may not still completely understand our smartphones, bikes happen to be our area of expertise.
We wanted to share our knowledge with the next generation of talented riders - which is why last year we launched the Cycle Academy. From group rides, route planning and cycle maintenance, to risk assessments and nutrition, our young riders learn it all (we’ve still not figured out the smartphones, though.)
Riding a bike has brought joy, skill, and confidence to countless generations of people; and, whilst we may not still completely understand our smartphones, bikes happen to be our area of expertise.
We wanted to share our knowledge with the next generation of talented riders - which is why last year we launched the Cycle Academy. From group rides, route planning and cycle maintenance, to risk assessments and nutrition, our young riders learn it all (we’ve still not figured out the smartphones, though.)
Donate A Bike...
We’re so glad that you want to help us. One of the best, and easiest things you can do is to donate any of your unwanted, unloved or unused bikes. We use donated bikes as a part of our training programme. And, once they’re refurbished, they go on to make stock at one of our bike libraries, or to be sold to the public at accessible prices.
If you’re able to, you can drop off any bike donations at our Bike Centre in Cottingham, or we can even collect! Just ring our office on 01482 844422 to arrange.
Alternatively, we have drop-off stations placed in Beverley, Driffield and Bridlington.
If you’re able to, you can drop off any bike donations at our Bike Centre in Cottingham, or we can even collect! Just ring our office on 01482 844422 to arrange.
Alternatively, we have drop-off stations placed in Beverley, Driffield and Bridlington.
I'd Like to Know More...
You’re in the right place. If you want to read a little more about us, we produced a fancy report about what we got up to in 2019. You can read it here.
And, just in case you wanted even more information, we were also lucky enough to be subject to an independent report on our services. You can read that here.
And, just in case you wanted even more information, we were also lucky enough to be subject to an independent report on our services. You can read that here.
