Help us get the show on the road

Wheelie good: In Margate as part of the The Big Bike Revival

Cycling is so important to our young people: it gives them freedom, fun, autonomy, confidence and much more! 

Since January we have given away 80 bikes, kindly donated by The Bike Project and individuals (thank you!). 

All good, except… we can’t give any of the bikes to those on our long waiting list because we’re missing the accompanying helmets, locks and lights!

Once again, The Bike Project has stepped in by giving us five sets, but we’d love - and need - more. Please help by gifting new accessories (email lou@kran.org.uk), or donating.

Here are just three heart-warming examples of why cycling is so important.

T, from Vietnam, used to attend our Young Men’s Club in Folkestone, where he would join in the games, cooking and chatter (he once made a delicious Vietnamese-style creme brulee).

He was then moved to Canterbury and told us that he was nervous about his immigration status, lonely and bored. He was keen to volunteer and working with Fawzia (our Youth Engagement Officer) and Lou (New Project Developer), he applied for a position with Oxfam, was interviewed and got the job - all within two weeks!

The only issue was that the shop was a distance from T’s house. He had already requested a bike from our bike project and received one (plus accessories) in time to start his new role. His mood was completely transformed within a few weeks and T is thriving at Oxfam, his English has greatly improved and he has made friends.

F, a young man from Somalia, enjoyed the recent hour-long bike ride along Margate prom - part of The Big Bike Revival - with his friends. But just four months before, he couldn’t cycle - it was his mentor who taught him. He requested a bike from us and now cycles all over Folkestone with his friends and sometimes with his mentor. 

In Margate, he was so engaged when Ziggy, of The Bike Shed Kent, showed the group how to maintain their bikes - he asked questions and wanted to know everything! As a result, Ziggy gave him a bag of tools to take home so he could fix his bike. 

Also as part of the Big Bike Revival, we watched in wonder as a Somali young man helped teach an Eritrean young woman how to ride - her first time on a bike. She then rode along being supported by him and Nigel (Learning for Life Manager). #Dreamteamwork!