The Impact of Cycle Together in 2024
As a social enterprise, Cycle Together is dedicated to creating inclusive and supportive environments for cyclists, regardless of their background. The impact report for the year highlights the successes and transformative experiences of their first cycling program, shedding light on the power of community and active lifestyles.
Key Highlights of the 2024 Program
The first cycling program delivered by Cycle Together in 2024 saw significant engagement and notable achievements:
- Engagement: 48 individuals registered their interest, with 11 actively participating.
- Mental Wellbeing: Every participant reported significant improvements in their mental well-being and happiness.
- Ongoing Commitment: All participants expressed a desire to continue cycling after completing the program.
- Community Connections: Participants forged meaningful connections and felt a strong sense of community.
- Health and Fitness Gains: 85% of participants reported improvements in their physical health and fitness.
- Confidence Boost: All participants experienced increased confidence in their cycling abilities and spent more time outdoors.
Program Structure and Activities
Cycle Together’s inclusive community offers coaching sessions, mechanics workshops, and an online community hub to support cyclists. The 12-week pilot program included a variety of activities designed to build confidence and encourage an active lifestyle.
Participant Demographics and Motivations
The participants of the pilot program came from diverse backgrounds, with a notable representation of ethnic minorities and women. Key motivations for joining the program included:
- The desire to cycle with family members.
- Gaining confidence to cycle alone.
- Overcoming the fear of cycling on the road.
- Meeting new people and making friends through cycling.
- Rediscovering a love for cycling.
The age range of participants was 27-49, and initially, none met the recommended weekly amount of exercise (150 minutes). However, by the end of the program, more than half of the participants achieved this goal.
Creating Safe Spaces and Building Confidence
Cycle Together emphasized the importance of safe learning environments. Participants appreciated the tailored sessions that matched their skill levels and gradually introduced them to new challenges. This approach significantly boosted their confidence, with many participants reporting:
Overcoming Barriers to Cycling
Despite the positive outcomes, participants faced challenges such as financial constraints and storage issues. Many lived in flats with limited storage space, and local on-street bike storage options had long waiting lists. Cycle Together addressed some of these barriers by collaborating with local charities to provide access to bikes for free.
Community and Connection
A strong sense of community was a primary motivator for participants. The program helped participants forge new friendships and feel part of a like-minded group. Highlights included:
- Regular cycling meetups outside organized sessions.
- Increased participation in other cycling communities in London.
- Improved social bonds and a feeling of belonging.
Health and Wellbeing Benefits
The program’s impact on physical and mental health was profound. Participants reported feeling fitter, happier, and more connected. The structured activities helped them build the habit of regular exercise, which contributed to better overall health:
- 85% reported improved lifestyle choices and physical health.
- 100% experienced better mental health and happiness.
- Participants felt more confident and enjoyed spending more time outdoors.
Looking Ahead
Cycle Together’s 2024 impact report showcases the transformative power of inclusive cycling communities. By addressing barriers to participation and fostering a supportive environment, the program has made significant strides in promoting diversity in cycling. As Cycle Together continues to grow, it aims to reach even more marginalized communities, helping them discover the joys and benefits of cycling.
For more information or to get involved, visit Cycle Together or contact them at [email protected].
We want to extend our warmest gratitude to our sponsors and partners: Specialized, Komoot, People of Data and Balfes Bikes.