On Yer Bike
Thanks to a new grassroots initiative called “On Yer Bike” hundreds of people living in Mile End have been getting active and mobile on safe, affordable bikes.
The idea for the project originated from Mile End Community Project (MCP), who have been working with young people and their wider community since 1995. It was inspired by the knowledge that many residents living in their neighbourhood were keen to get a bike but didn’t have the opportunity, finances or space to own one.
Nurull Islam, Co-Founder of MCP said:
Our area in Mile End is surrounded by cycle friendly routes and highways. Cycling is such a sustainable way to travel but we were finding there were several economic blocks for our residents. Storing bikes is not practical in homes that are already over-crowded, replacing inner tubes, fixing brakes can all be very expensive if you don’t how. We launched the “On Yer Bike” workshop service this summer to specifically overcome these issues and to get our community engaged with cycling.
The idea was to work closely with a range of local partners, this included: the Metropolitan Police, local Housing Association EastendHomes and their developers Gracewood Group, to give the community access to bikes, a local repair service, bike storage and to provide training on how to look after bikes.
Here’s how it works:
- MCP host a free bike repair and security tasing workshops in their community
- 70 plus bikes were donated from the Metropolitan Police. Local officers ensured all were signed up to the ‘Bike Register’
- Bikes are serviced and repaired by East End Cycles
- Accommodation and storage facilities were arranged with local Housing Association EastendHomes who provided the space to run workshops and hold bikes. Their developers Gracewood help build the bike workshop installing electricity and providing their own carpenters to fit out the space.
- Maintenance lessons provide residents with the skills to care for their bikes
Volunteers from MCP utilised their outreach network to connect with young people, families and Bengali women.
Since May 2021 ‘On Yer Bike’ has:
- Inspected and repaired over 250 bikes
- Distributed over 70 bikes to members of all ages
- Carried out a targeted delivery of 60 Santander codes to women in their community enabling free access to London’s bike hire scheme
In a short time span this effective East London partnership has got a significant number of Mile End’s community mobile on bikes. It has highlighted what can be achieved through collaborative work and combining resources.
Marcus Barnett, Detective Chief Superintendent, commented:
We are delighted to support the “On Yer Bike’ project. We do this by donating bikes which we have possession of and have been unable to reunite with their owners. It’s far better the bikes are being re-used and given to members of our community - than rusting and rotting.
John Henderson, Managing Director of EastendHomes said:
EastendHomes have been working with MCP for over 15 years. They consistently offer creative solutions to engage and connect with our local communities. On Yer Bike is yet another great project aimed at improving the opportunities for our young people and families in the Mile End area.
The future looks bright for ‘On Yer’ Bike. Next ambitions include:
- A bike library for community members that cannot store or afford bikes
- Training to inform and educate on cycling safety
- Qualifications in bike maintenance to skill and empower
- Creating bike mechanic job opportunities
- Inspiring Partnerships with leading bike suppliers to ensure residents are not prevented from cycling because they cannot afford bike parts