The idea
Our application for planning permission is being considered. In the unlikely event that this is not secured, no money will be taken from backers.
The Cycle Cafe will be on the first floor of the Future Cycles shop on Market Street. We’ll also have tables to the front of the store on the ground floor. The cafe will be based around other successful cycles cafes such as 'Look Mum No Hands' in London.
The interior will reflect cycling through the years but also the diversity of Leicester reflecting cycling in other countries.
The food and drink will be locally sourced with a greater emphasis on sourcing completed products from local businesses, such as cakes.
During the year we'll run events, we already hold the Red Light Comedy Festival as part of the Comedy Festival. We'll also screen the Tour de France, Giro de Italia and Tour of Britain amongst others.
The venue will also be made available for cycling groups to book and use as a meeting point.
What we'll deliver
- Create a unique go to venue, to talk cycle issues or just chill, for cyclists and other road users
- Expand work experience opportunities from bike maintenance into barista training
- Expand volunteer offering
- Source our drinks and ingredients locally, to keep money in the local economy
- Hold a diverse range of events including talks, comedy, bike jewellery classes - it's not all cycling!
- Invite any cycling clubs to hold their meeting at the Cycle Cafe
Why it's a great idea
Leicester is a cycle city, the vision for increasing cycling and the rapid increase in quality infrastructure continues to encourage new cyclists. This venue builds on this offering a place to chat through ones experience, ask about new developments, or just revel in the wealth of cycling history and the understanding that cycling is a transport, health and environmental solution all in one.
Our training programs are open to all members of the community, but typically during term time, we teach young people who come from a variety of backgrounds to be cycle mechanics at VRQ level 2. As cycling numbers increase, these people will be equipped with the skills to gain employment. We've employed young people, who have successfully completed the course and some also volunteer for us.
These young people come from a variety of backgrounds and some are in care. Most have very poor attendance at school, but we consistently have a high 80's attendance rate, because of the inclusive environment.
Steps to get it done
- Planning permission for change of use classification
- Equipment and utensils purchase
- Venue refurbishment
- Employment of staff
- Opening
We're already developing the shop front to have a number of bikes attached to the first, second and third floors as though they're riding to the heavens. This is our first step to make not only an interesting frontage but also to reinforce that cycling is now a big part of our city.
Future Cycles offers bikes both new and used that aren't commonly found in other bikes shops, such as
Cargo Bikes - these can also carry children and are ideal for parents on the school run or just for the family going out on a leisurely bike ride.
Tandems - Not commonly seen as much as they used to be, but still lots of fun and can also be used for engaging those with slight disabilities or sight problems as they can be the stoker, but still enjoy the feeling of cycling.
Tricycles - Ideal for those who have balance issues or vertigo, or you may just fancy something different.
Recumbents - Even rarer on the roads that tandems, but a useful alternative to the typical diamond frame bicycle.
