The Bike Project’s mission is to get refugees cycling, to fix the social isolation that many refugees can face because of the high cost of transport.

Trying to navigate the complex asylum process on just £37 a week is complicated. When people have to choose  between eating a meal and catching the bus, a bike can play a vital role.

The Bike Project take second-hand bikes, fix them up and donate them to refugees and asylum-seekers. A small proportion of the bikes received go on to be sold through an online bike shop providing The  Bike Project with income.

In five years, 3500 bicycles have been donated, each one coming with safety accessories (lights, helmet and lock) and lifetime repairs.

The Bike Project also offers volunteering weekly in its bike workshop to develop skills and talent, and runs a programme of cycle training for refugee women called ‘Pedal Power’.

Every bike beneficiary is offered the chance to meet up with their local ‘Bike Buddy’, a volunteer who can help share safe cycle routes and build confidence cycling in their neighbourhood.

Having fled persecution and atrocities in their country of origin, refugees can arrive in London with absolutely nothing so a bike helps them access support from legal advice to food banks as well as healthcare, education and much more. If lucky enough to receive official refugee status, a bike can also help to find employment.