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.

By Jamie Lawson, Inclusive Cycling Advisor at Bikeworks

When people think about cycling, they often picture two wheels, balance, and speed. But cycling can take many different forms, and with the right equipment, it becomes an activity that everyone can enjoy. That’s why having a fleet inclusive of cycles is essential, not only for All Ability Clubs, but also for schools, local authorities, care homes, and community groups that want to make cycling accessible to everyone.

As someone who both advises on inclusion and rides at Bikeworks’ All Ability Clubs, I see every week how the right cycle can remove any unnecessary barriers. A cycle that feels safe and comfortable not only makes participation possible, but also enables riders to experience the joy and freedom of cycling.

 

With the right cycles, no one is left out.

Recently, one of our clubs added two new cycles to the fleet: the Fun2Go and the EasyRider. These bikes have already transformed the way people ride together. The Fun2Go is a side-by-side tandem, so two riders can pedal and chat at the same time — perfect for friends, carers, or anyone who feels more confident with riding with company. The EasyRider, with its low step-through frame and supportive seat, makes cycling accessible for people who may struggle with balance or joint pain.

“Investing in the Fun2Go and EasyRider cycles from Bikeworks has been one of the best decisions for our community. As specialists in inclusive cycling, Bikeworks helped us choose the right bikes to meet local needs. These cycles have opened up riding to people of all ages and abilities, and we’re already seeing the benefits — more people taking part, more confidence, and more families enjoying cycling together.”

 

I’ve seen first-hand the joy these cycles bring.

Riders who hadn’t been on a bike in years are rediscovering the freedom of movement. Families are cycling together in ways they never thought possible. One person told me that the Fun2Go made them feel like they were “part of the action again,” after years of watching from the sidelines.

For me personally, my favourite cycle is the Fun2Go. There’s something special about being able to share the ride side by side. It turns cycling into a social activity — laughter, conversation, and exercise all rolled into one.

Getting the fleet right isn’t just about variety. It’s about equity.

It ensures that no matter your age, ability, or confidence level, there’s a cycle that can work for you. That’s what makes inclusive cycling so powerful. It’s not just about bikes — it’s about freedom, wellbeing, and connection.

If you’re curious, visit us at our Inclusive Cycle Sales Showroom opposite the Velo in the Olympic Park, or come along to one of our All Ability Clubs. We can help you find the right fleet for your school, local authority, care home, or community group.