Big Birmimgham Bikes & Big Bike Project
The original pilot for our Community Bike Scheme. Big Birmingham Bikes was established as part of the Birmingham Cycle Revolution, a £70m cycle infrastructure pioneering programme to give out free bikes to people living in the most deprived areas of the city.
Tackling inequality, improving health and wellbeing, and creating greener spaces
Big Birmingham Bikes aims to overcome barriers to cycling, encourage sustainable travel with those who are usually excluded, and improve the health and wellbeing of residents. By encouraging more people to cycle in and around the city, it also aims to make Birmingham healthier, greener, safer, and less congested.
Over 5,000 bikes distributed and the scheme is growing
The Active Wellbeing Society has been instrumental in setting up and delivering the scheme. We have worked with health partners to distribute free bikes to thousands of people across the city. The bikes are recommended to patients whose physical and mental health would see the greatest benefit. We have also identified suitable candidates through our own ‘learn to cycle’ programmes.
The scheme has grown across other areas outside of Birmingham and we are working in Solihull and with other Local Authorities to improve cycling provision in more communities.
Quality wraparound – more than just a bike
We provide cycle training, Bikeability training, led rides, loan bikes, recycled bikes and have developed community clubs to offer a pathway for continued engagement.
