Unlock Confidence with Our Build-a-Bike Programme

Jamie Lawson on February 23, 2026

At Bikeworks, we see cycling as more than just a way to travel – it’s a tool for enhancing wellbeing, physical activity, and building connections.

That’s why we’re excited to offer our Build-a-Bike programme: a two-day, hands-on experience where young people can learn new skills, boost their confidence, and leave with a bike they’ve assembled themselves.

This programme isn’t just about bikes; it’s about equipping young people with independence, teamwork, and a sense of accomplishment that will last a lifetime.

What’s Build-a-Bike?

Our Build-a-Bike programme is a fun and engaging two-day course where young people:

  • Learn essential bike maintenance skills
  • Build their own bike from the ground up
  • Gain confidence through safe cycling techniques (Bikeability certified!)

At the end of the course, each participant will take home their very own bike – a tangible reward for their hard work and effort.

 

Why Choose Build-a-Bike?

  • Learn Real-world Skills: On Day 1, participants get hands-on experience learning bike maintenance and repair, developing essential skills for a lifetime of cycling.
  • Boost Confidence: Day 2 focuses on safe cycling practices, with accredited instructors guiding participants through Bikeability training to boost their confidence on the road.
  • Tangible Rewards: Not only will they walk away with a bike they’ve built, but they’ll also receive locks, lights, and a Bikeability certificate to show off their new skills.
  • Independence: By investing in young people, we’re giving them the tools to become more independent and self-sufficient, while opening doors to new opportunities.

 

Making an Impact

We’re proud that our Build-a-Bike programme is already making a difference. In 2023, we were honoured with the ‘Try Something New’ Award at the London Youth Awards, recognising our work alongside Spotlight Youth Centre to provide young people with innovative new opportunities.

Engagement is high, and feedback is overwhelmingly positive. This programme isn’t just about teaching bike skills – it’s about helping young people gain confidence, independence, and problem-solving abilities that will last a lifetime.

 

What participants and families are saying

“My sister has a bike on the balcony that’s broken. I want to fix it now so we can go riding together.” (Young Person)

 

“I’ve always wanted to teach my son how to ride a bike when he was younger. You know – that father and son bonding thing. I never got the chance. I’m so glad that he can finally ride a bike. Look at the smile on his face“ (Parent)

 

“My daughter couldn’t stop talking about it. She even told me how to fix the brake problem I had on my own bike… This is an amazing programme.” (Parent)

 

Ready to Get Started?

Book your session today → https://www.bikeworks.org.uk/build-a-bike-programme/

Let’s get your team moving – together.

In Memory of David Dansky

Jamie Lawson on February 17, 2026

David Dansky was a close friend and colleague to us at Bikeworks.

Many will consider David to be the godfather of our Cycle Connect activities. He recognised early what riding alongside someone could make possible. Not as an adaptation, but as a different way of understanding cycling. Shared experience. Shared conversation. Shared freedom. The presence of side-by-side cycles in fleets across the UK, including our own, reflects that belief.


Photographer: Justin Thomas

He was also a defining voice in inclusive cycling and cycle training in the UK. As a founding member of Cycle Training UK (CTUK), he played a central role in shaping how cycle training developed nationally. His thinking influenced standards, instructors and organisations across the country. His contribution to the development of the Bikeability curriculum helped shape national practice. He also authored practical resources such as the Cycling Games Compendium, grounded in his belief that learning to ride should be engaging and rooted in real experience.

Jim first met David 20 years ago when we were setting up Bikeworks. Having been a teacher in a former life, David had a distinctive mentoring style. When you asked him a question, he often responded with one of his own. It was a powerful way of guiding people to think and take ownership of their decisions, a style we have all benefited from as peers, friends and colleagues.

David has left us with a powerful legacy. His influence can be seen directly in our work. He understood that the bicycle could be a tool for connection and freedom, particularly for people who had the most to benefit but might otherwise be excluded.

He was personable and able to connect with anyone. He carried intelligence lightly and had a great sense of humour.

 

The incredible response to David’s passing demonstrates how many within our community feel this loss deeply. Our thoughts are with his wife Clare, their family and friends.

We are proud to take forward the legacy created by David in the delivery of our community activities and development of our inclusive instructor and pilot training. At Bikeworks, our next chapter will continue to be shaped by his thinking.