A group of men sit intent over dissembled bike parts, fixing spokes and realigning brakes. They are no ordinary mechanics. The gleaming machines hanging from the walls are the work of Bikes Behind Bars, a special programme designed by cycling charity Life Cycle to help rehabilitate former inmates of HMP Bristol, the prison for adult men which stands right next door. So far the charity has helped train 1,475 prisoners as bike mechanics and refurbished 7,695 bikes.
The programme takes unwanted bikes inside local prisons to provide inmates with a four-week training course earning an industry standard bike mechanic qualification. It’s not just about gaining certificates for future employment, but also the soft skills, says John Russell, Life Cycle’s Learning and Skills Manager.
“They’re learning to engage with education and training,” he says. “Because it’s quite hands on, it can be very cathartic.”
John has been involved in prison education for over 30 years, initially as an art teacher. The bike workshops are similarly powerful in encouraging creativity, he says.
“It’s the act of rebuilding a bike, a not very well functioning bike, then making it into something really well running. It’s a very therapeutic and transforming process.”
Stuart completed a course in the prison and is now a regular drop-in sessions, which are held every Friday.
“On a typical day, I strip every part, check the bearings and check for wear.” It’s important to do it thoroughly because the bikes are being sold to the general public, he adds.
Refurbishing the bikes helps him manage his anxiety and depression. “It puts me in the zone,” he says.
Working inside the prison can be challenging. The men tend to like the workshops because they do not seem like formal learning, John says. “In a sense, they say being in the workshop is not like being in prison. It’s their safe space. They get peer support, there’s a sense of camaraderie and team work.”
The men connect to bikes in various ways. Some had them as children, others might want to learn the skills to help their own children. The programme also offers vouchers for the men to buy their own bicycle to help them get to jobs. “Often they ride away from prison on a bike,” John adds.
“A lot of that is about having a routine and feeling fulfilled.”
According to the charity, 80% of prisoners who received their support think more positively about themselves and their future, and 63% want to learn more about bike mechanics and/or work in the cycle industry.
Another former inmate Rob used to be a car mechanic but lost his licence. “I don’t miss driving,” he says. Now he is out of prison, coming to the Friday sessions gives him “a sense of purpose,” he says. It also helps him relax.
“When I’m looking at the bike, I’m thinking about how to fix it, not about other grief in life like how to pay my bills.”
Life Cycle also offers courses for the public, including cycle training for adults and children, as well as activities for disabled people. Demand for their refurbished bikes is so high they are appealing for more donations of old bikes. These are sold affordably to the general public to raise money for their projects or given away to people on low incomes.
To support their incredible work, head to the Hub for more information on their courses. And if you have an old bike needing a good home, you know where to find it.
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Life Cycle was a successful recipient of our 2024 Megawatt Community Energy Fund. The fund focuses on projects which raise awareness of the climate crisis, its solutions and how to reduce its impact. It also supports work to reduce fossil fuel consumption, like local food growing projects and encouraging alternative modes of transport like cycling to reduce the use of cars.
Life Cycle will use their £4,000-grant to support their prison bike refurbishment workshops.
Applications for this year’s Megawatt Community Energy Fund are open until 29th May. Find out more about previous successful applicants as well as how to apply via our Community Benefit page.
