The challenge
Cities in the UK facing high air pollution and low levels of physical activity have big ambitions to get more people moving and reduce inequalities.
Research has shown that people from areas with high levels of deprivation are among those most prevented from enjoying the full benefits of active travel. The lower a household’s income, the less likely they are to own a bike (only 1 in 4 of households with £15,000 own a bike compared to 1 in 2 of households with more than £50,000). For many, the high costs of buying, maintaining and storing bikes rule out the option of cycling.
Physical barriers also limit access to active travel. Residents in coastal areas experience long distances to jobs, services and opportunities which can make active travel impractical without the sufficient infrastructure and access to a bike, even for those who want to engage in it.
In car-centric cities like Birmingham where the needs of vehicles are prioritised over pedestrians, many people feel unsafe or unwilling to engage in active travel. These factors and more create a vicious circle, where those who can afford to rely on carbon-intensive travel by car and those who can’t spend more money and time on public transport. Bikes offer an alternative.
What we do
Our mission is to make cycling accessible. Our Free Bikes schemes remove the barrier of affordability, democratising cycling and promoting travel which is active, low-cost and low-carbon. Our programmes build regular cycle habits, develop confidence and skills, opening up pathways to jobs and opportunities.
This place-based initiative brings together a range of agendas, increasing transport equity, supporting local economies and reducing emissions. As more people cycle, places become healthier, greener, safer, and more active. For more information contact Julian Sanchez at julian.sanchez@theaws.org
Alongside our Free Bikes schemes, we work with communities to provide cycle training – including Bikeability in schools – led rides, bike maintenance sessions, and local events. Funded sessions like ‘Cook and Cycle’, women-only rides, and group rides to local parks, cinemas or cafes, combine activity with social, cultural, and economic needs.
The difference we make
Free bikes mean that we can provide inclusive active travel for people who currently do not cycle because they cannot afford a bike; helping people in the areas of highest need:
- Build self-confidence and pride in their community.
- Reduce loneliness and expand social networks.
- Increase active travel to school, shops, and work, supporting our wider work on sustainability
- Improve their physical and mental health and wellbeing.
- Improve access to employment and training opportunities.
- Save money on transport.
- Access cheaper food
