Over the summer we were thrilled to host bike workshops at YMCA North London’s Homeless Hostel in Crouch End, Haringey. This was made possible thanks to a grant we received from TFL. The grant, payable over three years, was awarded to us as part of the Walking and Cycling scheme for London.
As a result, in this, our first year, we were able to offer young people a bike maintenance and repair course with our project partner, YesOutdoors. A group of 28 young people who are resident at the hostel were given a bike for free that needed fixing up. Over two courses, and with due care for social distancing, they were also provided with all the necessary equipment and parts and maintenance expertise so that they could ride away at the end of the course on their newly refurbished bike.
“YESOutdoors have been amazing, They’re really supportive,” commented Lucy Brotherston, YMCA North London Education, Training and Education Coordinator. “The bikes are a really good solution for avoiding the cost of public transport but also the risks because of Covid.”
The residents gave great feedback and enjoyed the challenge of repairing the bikes, with one participant stating, “I’m going to use the skills later to try and do my own thing, for people who need bike repairs, and earn a bit of income”.
We look forward to offering more bike repair projects, with big thanks due to TFL and YESOutdoors.
