From a puncture repair to a family on the move

In April 2025, one small moment marked the beginning of a much bigger journey.

One of the boys first came to an upCYCLE drop-in repair session at The Remakery. It was his first time using tools or learning how a bike worked. With a bit of guidance, he learned how to fix a puncture himself. What seemed like a simple task was actually something more important — a first experience of hands-on learning, independence and confidence. 

Later that month, all three children received refurbished bikes, along with helmets, locks and lights. For the first time, the family had the equipment they needed to cycle together.

Like many families living in flats, storage was already a challenge. The bikes had to be kept outside, locked up below their fourth-floor home. Not long after, one of the bikes was stolen. Experiences like this often stop families from continuing to cycle.

Instead, they came back.

Within days, the boys attended another repair session, practising brake checks, maintenance and inner tube replacement. A replacement bike was arranged, and their confidence quickly returned. Rather than disengaging, the setback became part of their learning and resilience. 

Soon after, their mum received a bike of her own.

“I haven’t had a bike since I was a child – it’s like being given a key to explore again.”

From June onwards, the whole family became regular participants in our Family Cycling Camp at Myatt’s Fields Park, delivered with support from Transport for London and Groundwork London. Over five sessions, they built skills and confidence together in a relaxed, supportive environment.

The focus wasn’t just on riding. We worked on Braking and control, Riding safely in groups, Signalling and awareness, Bike fit and adjustments as the children grew, Building confidence after falls or mistakes.

They didn’t miss a session. Each week, their confidence grew. Tumbles became learning moments. Group rides became something to look forward to. Cycling shifted from an activity to something they enjoyed doing together as a family. 

By the end of the programme, bikes had become part of everyday life. The family now use them for school journeys, trips to the park, local errands and weekend rides.

mum told us the children are “extremely excited and grateful” and want to be on their bikes at every opportunity.

What we learned

This journey reinforced some important lessons. Ongoing, hands-on support matters. Children grow quickly, and bikes need regular adjustments and checks to keep them safe and comfortable.

Family-based cycling works best when it’s built around encouragement, shared experiences and consistency. When parents are involved, participation is higher and confidence grows faster.

Practical barriers remain significant. Secure bike storage is a real challenge for many families living in flats, and issues like theft can quickly undermine access without the right support.

Most importantly, access to tools, skills and a supportive space builds more than technical ability. It builds confidence, independence and resilience, not just for individuals, but for whole families.

Why this matters

This story isn’t just about bikes. It’s about giving families the confidence to move around their neighbourhood safely and independently. It’s about helping children develop practical skills and self-belief. It’s about making everyday journeys, to school, to the park, to the shops, active, affordable and accessible.

It’s about mobility, opportunity and connection. Because when cycling becomes part of daily life, it opens up more than roads and parks. It opens up possibilities.