The Bristol Bike Project

Earn-a-Bike

Are you experiencing a long-term barrier to employment?
Would you benefit from access to affordable and sustainable transport?
Come and ‘earn-a-bike’ from us!

Here’s how it works

You will work with one of our Coordinators or volunteers for up to two hours to refurbish a donated bike, learning basic bike maintenance skills in the process. The bicycle is then yours to ride away! Once you have your bicycle you can keep it running smoothly at one of our drop-in Fix-a-Bike workshops where volunteers can help you with repairs, free of charge.

We ask for £20 payment at the time of booking. This is a contribution towards a new D-Lock & light set and new parts used on the refurbished bicycle. This is non-refundable in the event of a missed appointment.

Am I eligible to take part?

Our Earn-a-Bike programmes are available to people currently experiencing involuntary long-term unemployment of 6 months or more. We do not accept students.

This may include people:

● seeking asylum or with refugee status and unable to work
● with ongoing mental or physical health problems
● with learning difficulties
● who are homeless or in supported/sheltered housing
● undergoing a substance abuse recovery programme
● on probation

You may be referred through an organisation or refer yourself. We work in cooperation with over 50 organisations in and around Bristol, including Bristol Refugee Rights, Bristol Drugs Project, Second Step, Unseen, The Big Issue & various youth groups amongst many others.

How to book

To book a session for yourself or someone else, please call 0117 951 9692 or visit our shop during opening hours. You will need to tell us your exact height so that we can find a bike that’s the right size for you. If you are under 18, you will always need to come with a parent, guardian or support worker.

You will need to pay £20 either by card or in cash at the time of booking.

Please call us to rearrange your session at least three days in advance if you can no longer make your appointment.

By coming to this workshop, you are agreeing to our Terms & Conditions.

FIX-A-BIKE

Fix-a-Bike

Wednesdays 10am – 1.00pm and 2.00pm – 5.00pm

A session specifically for the ongoing maintenance of bikes given out through our Earn-a-Bike programme.

If you have received a bike from us and need support with repairs then drop-in during this weekly session.

EARN-A-BIKE

Earn-a-Bike
Thursdays 10.30am – 1.00pm and 2.30pm – 5.00pm

*Booking is required for this programme 

"I heard from Bristol Refugee Rights that I could get a bike from The Bristol Bike Project and now I use my bike more than I thought I ever would. It's means a lot to me. I use it every day, to get to meetings, to church, to the library to read and to visit friends. It's saved me a lot of money not using the bus." James, from Gambia