Our story
upCYCLE was established in July 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and global Black Lives Matter movement. We deliver highly interactive bike maintenance classes to young people from ethnic minority groups at risk of becoming NEET (not in employment, education or training).
We started running Bike Maintenance classes in Brixton, where young people get a refurbished bike for free and learn how to maintain it. Our mission is to address the lack of diversity in London's cycling community by giving young people the chance to apply themselves in a fun and inclusive environment where they can share their passion for cycling.
Our advice
Seek advice from others who are doing something similar and connect with as many groups/organisations in your community as possible. A lot of our funding came from word of mouth.
Our metrics
Volume of waste eliminated by repairing and reusing bikes
Engagement with local community (workshop attendance, etc)
Number of bikes donated