British Cycling and Lloyds have teamed up to improve the nation’s access to bikes with the launch of the Lloyds ReCycle Hubs across the UK.
While perception of safety is a major obstacle to getting people riding, British Cycling research has revealed that affordability and storage are key barriers to bike ownership, with a study indicating 41% of the British population do not own a bike.
Following a successful pilot project, the new community-run Lloyds ReCycle Hubs initiative will tackle this inequality and bring wider access to bikes for those who need it most, across ten sites, including the five locations involved in the initial pilot, which launched in September 2025. Working locally to revive and refurbish abandoned or donated bikes, and provide training, the locations include Manchester Bike Kitchen [three sites in Greater Manchester], Ay Up Community Bikes in Derby, Changing Gearz in Torfaen, St Augustine’s Centre in Halifax and Re Cycle In’ Cafe in Stockport.
British Cycling research shows that 34% of adults in Britain own an unused adult bike, while similarly 15% of adults have an unused child’s bike. Providing opportunities to repurpose these bikes locally will offer many people a sense of freedom and opportunity which comes with owning a bike, from improving the commute to work, to making it easier to get to a doctor’s appointment or the shops. The project intends to change lives by improving people’s social mobility whilst also bringing about positive environmental impacts to local communities.
Research by the organisation shows 20% of British adults have cited affordability as a key obstacle to riding a bike. Along with lead partner, Lloyds, the organisation is committed to breaking down this barrier through ReCycle Hubs, making riding a bike more accessible to everyone, especially for underrepresented groups throughout communities in the UK.
Applications are now open for community organisations, bike hubs, and grassroots groups to either expand existing recycling and cycling initiatives or establish new Lloyds ReCycle Hubs in areas where they are most needed.
The application form and the toolkit to help with the process can be found here. Grant funding, as well as guidance and mentoring, will be offered to select community organisations so they can set up new activity and develop any current activity which is currently in operation.
“This project is a real catalyst for social change which is a key pillar of the wider British Cycling strategy,” said Tracy Power, Managing Director of the British Cycling Foundation. “Not only will it bring significant improvements to health and well-being, but Lloyds ReCycle Hubs will have a positive impact on the environment, and open opportunities to many people across the UK, making real social impact for those in underrepresented groups.
“Our research shows high numbers of the population do not have access to a bike, and this is a challenge we are committed to facing and finding solutions to bring about change and a real impact to communities across the country. The Lloyds ReCycle Hubs set out to tackle inequalities and improve social mobility, so more people can not only experience the joy of cycling, but the practical benefits too.”
Jon Lane, Head of Brand Partnerships at Lloyds Banking Group, said: “With the cost of bikes continuing to be a major barrier to cycling, many people are missing out on the significant mental, physical and financial benefits the sport offers. The introduction of Lloyds ReCycle Hubs is therefore a vital initiative, helping to redistribute bikes to those who need them most and making cycling more accessible for everyone. This is one of the many great initiatives we’re pleased to be delivering with British Cycling to get more people cycling.”
Sandra Davenport, a volunteer at Re Cycle In’ Cafe in Stockport, said: “Re Cycle In’ was born from a passion to help our community fix their bikes instead of throwing them away. Since May, we’ve been repairing wheels in Heaton Norris with a focus on both bicycles and the environment. This funding gives us the chance to grow, support even more people, and inspire our community to embrace the power of pedal-driven change.”
Main pic credit: Ayup Bikes