Ground-breaking Access Bike project looks to the future after opening new workshop

A GROUND-BREAKING community project which provides young disadvantaged people with bikes has opened a new workshop.

Access Bike launched its new workshop at Fromehall Mill in Stroud on Saturday alongside a fundraising campaign.

The scheme teaches young people aged 13 to 24 how to repair and recondition their bikes.

Once trained, they help volunteers to repair donated bikes which are then given to children from poorer backgrounds.

Alfie Stephens, 21, from Stroud, the newly appointed director of Access Bike, said: “I really feel like Stroud is totally on board, especially after our launch event.

“It was great to see so many local people and families arriving on their bikes.”

Several councillors attended the launch alongside London 2012 Paralympic cyclist James Brown.

He said: “I just love this project. Cycling has given me freedom and independence since the age of five.

“As a disabled person who can’t drive, the bike has been my lifeline. Whatever I can do to contribute to the success of Access Bike, I will.”

Access Bike, part of the Creative Sustainability community interest company, has given out 100 cycles this year alone.

The new workshop site – which costs £10,000 a year to run – will also be used to host cycle safety courses.

A Crowdfunder appeal has been launched to raise £5,000 to support the workshop.

Another £5,000 has been pledged by businesses in match funding.

County councillor Sarah Lunnon (Green, Stroud central) is supporting the appeal.

“I’m delighted to support this project through the Active Gloucestershire fund and as a private individual using Crowdfunder.

“Access Bike provides transport and skills for young people, enabling them to contribute to and explore their world, while re-using items that may previously have ended up at the tip.

“It’s a brilliant example of community activism.”

The workshop is open three days a week - on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 2pm to 6pm.

Young people can come along to fix bikes, skateboards and scooters.

Alfie, who has been competing in freestyle mountain-bike competitions since he was 16, said there is already a lot of interest from young people.

He has been assisting Access Bike for the past two years as a project coordinator, stepping in shortly after the project’s inception in 2014.

“We started with a few hundred quid and a couple of bikes, we’ve worked really hard to get it to this point, put in loads of our own time, energised by our passionate belief that it will make a real difference to the community,” he said.

“Cycling gives me independence, I simply want others to have the opportunity to enjoy cycling like I do.

“Having a workshop where young people can go and do something constructive with their peers and older mentors is fantastic.”

A video made by Alfie to advertise the launch on Facebook was viewed more than 4,000 times in the three days leading up to the event.

There are already plans to expand and start a youth-led enterprise for which Creative Sustainability is building a team of young people to manage.

Anna Bonallack, managing director of Creative Sustainability, said: “Access Bike gives young people all the support they need to take a key role but gives them loads of space to make decisions and take responsibility.

“We think there is a real need for safe, supportive environments like this, where young people can raise their expectations for themselves and build confidence and skills towards meaningful work including self-employment.”

The Crowdfunder appeal has already raised £650 – donate at bit.ly/2fbreDT

To offer an unused bike or to help with repairs call 01452 770177 or email anna@cscic.org