The idea
Preston Pedals' community hub will fill a vital gap by creating a thriving base centered around cycling, fostering a sense of community while improving the environment. Through offering our successful DIY workshops, bike repairs and refurbishment in one place we’ll increase confidence and encourage even more people to cycle.
The hub will serve as a base for employing staff and will offer valuable volunteer opportunities for anyone from the community to gain skills while contributing to a sustainable future. It will be a welcoming space where people can come to fix their bikes, meet others, participate in cycle related events, and access good quality refurbished low-cost or free bikes donated by the public.
By increasing access to bikes and supporting everyday cycling, Preston Pedals community cycle hub will help more people to use bikes for everyday travel, making the hub an essential Active Travel resource for Preston.
What we'll deliver
- A lively, welcoming community space dedicated to supporting cycling in Preston
- 'Bike Kitchens' where anyone can come to learn how to fix and maintain their bike
- A well equipped cycle workshop area for mechanics and volunteers to work on bikes
- Showcasing good quality refurbished bikes for sale
- Events offering practical support with speakers and films of interest to cyclists, especially everyday cyclists
- Potential for meeting space for other community and voluntary groups
Why it's a great idea
For two years, Preston Pedals has been using bikes to bring people together and make a positive impact in the community. From bike repair sessions and confidence-building rides to giving away bikes for free, we’ve worked hard to encourage cycling across Preston. However, moving bikes, tools, and equipment between different venues has been challenging, having everything in one place would greatly streamline our efforts to reach more people.
At a time when air pollution, health concerns, the cost of living are at the forefront, cycling is an easy way to reduce what we spend while staying fit and supporting the environment. Swapping car journeys for cycling benefits not only individuals but the entire community, making Preston safer, healthier, and a more enjoyable place to live. It also helps local councils achieve their active travel goals.
By having a dedicated base, we’ll increase our impact and encourage many more people to cycle, improving life for everyone in Preston.
Steps to get it done
- Firming up partnerships & sponsorships: reaching out to local businesses (bike shops, cafes, etc.)
- Procure Equipment and Materials: Identify tools, bike parts, storage equipment and other items to run efficiently.
- Select suitable space and sign a Lease: Negotiate terms for accessibility, rent, and lease duration.
- Design the layout with an architect or designer to create a functional space
- Install equipment: set up bike repair tools, bike storage, lighting, seating areas, and other physical infrastructure
- Training on the hub’s operations, safety standards, customer service, and community engagement with staff and volunteers
- Plan schedule of workshops and cycling events, how bike hire scheme will operate
- Marketing and community engagement - website and social media, community outreach
- Launch Preston Pedals Community Cycle Hub - fun public event
- Open and operate the hub
A physical hub would become a known location for Preston Pedals, which is crucial for building trust within the community and raising awareness about our work. Preston Pedals community hub will be more visible and accessible to a wider audience.
We can do more if we have a base! A physical location means we can offer more regular workshops, skills training, and bike maintenance courses. It opens up potential for hosting exciting events, pop-up markets, and partnerships with other local community organisations.
A central, welcoming space will encourage more people to visit and to volunteer, to attend events, or simply to drop in for advice or to connect with others. This fosters a sense of belonging and helps develop our cycling community.
In short, a dedicated Preston Pedals base means we could become stronger, more efficient and be more impactful for the local community while fostering growth, sustainability, and long-term success.
