Bristol Bike Project returns with COVID-secure community programmes
Posted on: 03 Aug 2020Bikes without barriers: the city’s bike community project is back up and running.
Bristol Bike Project is on a mission to help people from all walks of life get out on two wheels.
A member-led co-operative, the Project repairs, rehomes and maintains second hand bicycles with marginalized people in the community.
The Bike Project also provides access to space, tools and training so that cyclists can learn how to maintain their bikes.
And, to support its community programmes, Bristol Bike Project also operates as a shop and bike repair service, with profits going straight back into the Project.
The Project is now back up and running following a temporary closure due to COVID-19. Here’s what you need to know about its new, COVID-safe operation.
Bristol Bike Project Staff, pre-COVID
The Bristol Bike Project shop
The Project reopened to the public in July. The shop is now open for servicing, repairs and bike sales Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 18:00.
If you need a service or repair, pop over to the shop for an assessment and the team will get you booked in.
There’s no need to book for an assessment, but the Project can only host one person at a time in the shop, so you might need to wait outside for a short while.
The shop is now also accepting donations of cycles and bike parts. There’s no need to contact the Project beforehand – just pop in during the opening hours.
Community projects at the Bristol Bike Project
Some of the Project’s community programmes have also returned, including the Earn-a-Bike programmes, and Fix-a-Bike and After School Bikes workshops.
The Earn-a-Bike programmes assist people who are experiencing a long-term barrier to employment by providing a bike as an affordable and sustainable transport method.
Usually, participants will work with a mechanic for up to three hours to refurbish a donated bike.
After this, the Project provides free help and support for repairs during its Fix-a-Bike workshops. But for now, staff will work alone to refurbish and repair bikes ready for collection.
The Project’s After School Bikes workshop is a free, drop-in workshop for young people aged 8 to 18 to learn how to fix their bike.
For now, like the Project’s other programmes, young people won’t be able to take part in a workshop, but they can book an appointment to drop of their bike for repair.
Find out more on the Bristol Bike Project website: thebristolbikeproject.org.
The Project’s maintenance courses (Womxn’s Night, Bike Kitchen & Social Cycle workshops) are suspended until further notice.
News from The Bristol Bike Project! - https://t.co/SE69TfZIMp pic.twitter.com/5rvngN2RT7
— Bristol Bike Project (@bristolbikeproj) July 31, 2020
Support the Project
Though the Project workshop has been closed to the public throughout the lockdown period, they’ve been busy behind the scenes.
During the lockdown, the Project rehomed 37 cycles and repaired a further 20 for free through the Earn-a-Bike schemes.
The Project also supported over 200 key workers with repairs and discounts on refurbished cycles, with funding from Bristol City Council.
Like the sound of what the Bristol Bike Project do? Who wouldn’t! Keep ‘em going and donate some funds here.
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