wheelie big success!

A campaign to provide bikes for young refugees and asylum seekers has been so successful that it is being extended. 

Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN) launched its appeal at Christmas and since then, more than £3,000 has been raised to buy bikes from Canterbury Bike Project. 

KRAN’s young people frequently ask for bikes and the charity’s Laura Roberts says: “They want them for lots of reasons: to travel to school or college or town, for physical exercise and fresh air, and to have a feeling of freedom and autonomy. Or it could be that they didn’t have a chance to ride a bike in their own country and they’ve always wanted to.”

As well as bikes, helmets, locks, lights and training were given to 28 young people across Kent.

Two young women who had never learnt to ride were given bikes and training and are now gaining confidence by practising on the safe cycle tracks in Canterbury. One says: “In my country, women aren’t allowed to ride bikes. I always wanted to learn but never dreamed of doing it. When I was given my bike and could ride it, I felt my family would be very happy.” 

Another recipient says: “I was having a really bad time because of news about my family in my country and I was very sad. When I got a text to say the bike was ready, I was so happy and had a good feeling. I go to college on my bike and now wake up 30 minutes later, so I sleep more. It’s very good!”

As well as providing bikes at a discounted rate, Canterbury Bike Project fixed and made safe more than 10 bikes which had been donated. The project’s Steve Sproston says: “We were happy to collaborate with KRAN because of its excellent work in the community. 

“The young people we met were polite and very enthusiastic and grateful to receive their bikes - we are glad to have helped make a difference to their lives.”

There is still a waiting list for bikes and Laura says: “We are continuing with the campaign so that we can get more of our young people cycling. We have had a tremendous response so far, thank you to everyone who donated.

“We hope that many more will do so because it really does make a difference to so many lives.”

You can donate online here: kran.org.uk/give-a-gift