The Bristol Bike Project

A Brief History


The Bristol Bike Project came into being in December of 2008 after project founders James Lucas and Colin Fan were inspired to set up a charitable bike project while cycling their way through Scandanavia (pictured above). James was volunteering with Bristol Refugee Rights and began to understand the importance and need for disadvantaged and marginalised people to be independently mobile in our city. With ridiculously over-priced bus fares and our even more ridiculous reliance on the oil industry to fuel our cars, bicycles make perfect sense for navigating and living in an urban environment.

Posters were put up asking for unwanted bikes and within a few days, they started coming in, filling up our bedrooms and garden spaces; we had no idea that unwanted/unused bicycles were such a huge resource! We quickly outgrew our simple workshop in an old horse stable on the outskirts of Bristol and our back garden (pictured below) and so moved into our current workshop space in Hamilton House in Stokes Croft in April 2009.



The project has evolved massively in the time since and at the start of 2011, we expanded our workshop space, registered ourselves as a Community Interest Company (see How we Roll for more information) and expanded the trading arm of the project in order to become a self-sustainable social enterprise.

We now work with an ever-growing cross-section of underprivileged and marginalised groups in Bristol, including those within the mental health sector, the homeless, recovering substance-abusers, and detached youth groups, and take referrals from over 50 organisations in and around Bristol. The project is also open to the general public, through volunteering, our weekly bike kitchen, women’s night and maintenance courses.

A huge thank you to everyone that has supported the project this far and continues to do so!


VOLUNTEER
Join our wonderfully diverse group of volunteers, who donate their time to help out at the project.

ABOUT US
We are Bristol's most comprehensive Community Bike Project, repairing and relocating unwanted bicycles. We aim to help people from all walks of life get out on two wheels and for it to be an inclusive and empowering experience. Read More...

FILMS
One of a selection of short videos about The Bristol Bike Project from our film section.


WORKSHOP WEBCAM
Here's the latest image from our Workshop Webcam. Check our latest timelapse video here.


Become A Bike Project Supporter
We present to you the opportunity to become a Supporter of the Bristol Bike Project. “Wh...

DONATE-A-BIKE
We use donated bicycles for our Earn-a-Bike scheme and to raise much needed funds. Your unwanted bicycles keep us rolling!

OUR SERVICES

BUY-A-BIKE
We sell some great used bikes at affordable prices. Come down between 9.30-5.30pm to see our selection. Read More...


SERVICING & REPAIRS
Get your bike in top condition with our professional repair service from a qualified mechanic. Read More...


MAINTENANCE COURSES
Get to grips with your bike and save yourself money! Comprehensive courses run on Saturdays. Read More...


BIKE HIRE
We have a selection of good city bikes and a tandem available for hire at competitive rates. Read More...


DR. BIKE
Mechanic for hire! A great way to show your commitment to sustainable transport and healthy lifestyles. Read More...


WHEELBUILDING COURSE
Come and learn how to build your own wheels with us over the course of four Wednesday evenings! Read More...






EARN-A-BIKE
Providing bicycles to marginalised groups within our community who need affordable and sustainable transport.

OUR WORKSHOPS

FIX-A-BIKE
Drop in session for maintenance of bikes returning from our ‘Earn-a-Bike’ Scheme, keeping project users on the road.
http://www.thebristolbikeproject.org/?page_id=1328

SUPPORTED VOLUNTEERS
Supporting people with mental health problems, learning difficulties and those in recovery. http://www.thebristolbikeproject.org/?page_id=40

BIKE KITCHEN
Already know how to fix your bike? Come down and use our workshop, bike stands and tools.
http://www.thebristolbikeproject.org/?page_id=384


YOUNG PEOPLE'S PROGRAMME
Engaging young people from all walks of life in cycle mechanics and maintenance.
http://www.thebristolbikeproject.org/?page_id=38

WOMEN'S NIGHT
A weekly session run by women for women, skill-sharing in a fun, friendly and informal atmosphere.
http://www.thebristolbikeproject.org/?page_id=42


AFTER SCHOOL BIKES
A free, weekly drop-in session for young people aged between 8 to 18 years old to work on their own bikes. Read More...
http://www.thebristolbikeproject.org/our-workshops/after-school-bikes/

SUPPORT OUR WORK
We gratefully accept donations to help us pay for rent, materials, locks and lights.



http://www.thebristolbikeproject.org/