We are not currently running the Bikes For Newcomers program.

If you are a newcomer in a need of a bike at no charge, our friends at Big Bike Giveaway may be able to help.

What was Bikes for Newcomers?

A working bicycle can be life-changing. It can mean freedom to get to school or visit friends, or can mean getting a job that is further than walking distance. The Bikes for Newcomers project provided newcomers with refurbished bikes, either free or at an affordable price, to increase mobility and welcome newcomers into the London cycling community. 

The project started in 2016 as a tangible response to the Syrian refugee crisis, and continued to meet the needs of many individuals and families restarting their lives in London and needing help to get around. London Cycle Link partnered with the Cross Cultural Learner Centre and LUSO Community Services to help distribute the bicycles to families in need. In 2018 we received a grant from the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport to offer locks, lights, and bells, making the refurbished bikes even more useful.

24-hour Repair Marathon

On Groundhog Day, 2019, we held a 24-hour bike fixing marathon to refurbish as many bikes as we could to distribute to newcomers. Twenty-eight bikes were fixed in total and a lot of fun was had by all - a big thanks to all the volunteers who came out to fix bikes in the wee hours of the morning!

We held another marathon in 2020!

Thank you

We want to say a huge thank you to all the volunteers who contributed to this project. A special mention to Paul Seale for launching this project, and to Talbot Street Church and Dave Cook at the London Food Incubator for storing bikes for us for longer than anticipated.