As part of our #InThisTogether series, we’re bringing you uplifting stories from our accredited Living Wage Employers.
Bikes For Refugees is a Scottish charity based in Edinburgh and Glasgow that provides free bikes to New Scots such as refugees and asylum seekers. Although the charity had to close due to COVID-19, they still wanted to help where they could, so they started lending bikes to key workers in Edinburgh for free. Bridge 8 Hub outdoor activity and education center helped distribute the bikes across the city.
They soon found the demand for bikes was overwhelming, so they developed an online booking system with Edinburgh booking provider Appointedd, who gave their services free of charge. The booking system links people across Scotland willing to donate bikes with key workers who need them to support their daily commutes.
Steven McCluskey, founder and volunteer director of Bikes for Refugees told us:
“The new online hub aims to support those in health, social care, education and other key roles and to give them access to bikes as bus and train timetables are gradually withdrawn. Key workers are trying to avoid public transport to stay safe and healthy.”
If you’re a key worker in Scotland and would like to borrow a bike for free please visit Bikes For Refugees to find a bike near you. Once a key worker has found a suitable bike nearby then they arrange to meet up with the person donating to exchange the bike. Bikes can also be loaned (or donated) via the online hub. To help this process there’s a step by step guide to using the service as well as key safety guidance and cycling information.
If you’re an accredited Living Wage employer we’d love to share your good news story with our network. So please get in touch and let us know what you’re doing for your employees or the community.