Stronger Together in Westminster: Cycling that Connects
The start of our journey together began with a simple question: can cycling bring people together who feel isolated or excluded? Working alongside Westminster City Council through a Department for Transport Tackling Loneliness with Transport pilot, we found the answer in motion—riding side by side, sharing stories, and feeling part of something bigger.
By listening to residents, we learned that the joy of cycling is about more than the bike. It’s about being alongside others, chatting while you move, and removing practical barriers—cost, storage, confidence—so people who never thought cycling was for them can experience freedom, companionship, and connection.
How Cycle Connect makes a difference
- Shaped by lived experience. Residents told us what they needed; together we built a service that works for them.
- Ride together. Up to three people can ride with one of our trained Cycle Pilots—sharing the journey, conversation, and the simple joy of being side by side.
- Freedom to choose. Pedal, ride as a passenger, or add e-assist support—your ride, your way.
- Friendly guidance. Pilots offer route advice, local tips, and encouragement throughout.
- Connection at the heart. Every ride is about belonging and shared moments in motion.
“I never thought I’d cycle again after my stroke, but riding on Cycle Connect has given me back a sense of freedom. It’s not just the movement, it’s the laughter and company that make it so special.” – Westminster resident
Celebrating impact
Last year, Erma Ryan and Zoe Portlock had the privilege of attending the Active Westminster Awards, where Bikeworks won the Inclusive Award for Cycle Connect. This recognition celebrates how inclusive cycling can deepen connection and enrich everyday life across the borough.
Here’s Harry, one of our passionate Cycle Pilots, on why the rides matter and the difference they make for residents:
“Cycle Connect builds community engagement; it gets people out and about, in the fresh air, and able to do things that they might not normally be able to do. They can go to appointments, meet new people and do some exercise. It helps them live their lives.”
A place-based, inclusive cycling offer
Cycle Connect is part of a wider network of activities available for Westminster residents:
- All Ability Club – Regent’s Park: every Wednesday – bookable spaces
- All Ability Club – Little Wormwood Scrubs: every Friday and alternate Saturdays – turn up and ride
- Family SEND cycling – Ashburnham School: inclusive sessions for children and young people with SEND for the whole-family support
Ride with us, partner with us
Cycle Connect shows what’s possible when we work together: we reach people who’ve been overlooked, create meaningful connections, and unlock the freedom of cycling for all.
Residents: Book a Cycle Connect ride or join an All Ability Club – more info on our website HERE.
Community groups & services: Partner with us to extend our reach and deepen impact – Join Our Journey – more info HERE.
Get in touch: enquiries@bikeworks.org.uk
Together with Westminster, we’re proving that cycling isn’t just transport — it’s movement, connection, and belonging.