Transforming lives in prison: Steve’s journey with Life Cycle
Life Cycle’s Bikes Beyond Bars initiative is more than just a bike recycling project—it’s transformative for both prisoners and the community. At the heart of this project are dedicated volunteers like Steve, whose journey exemplifies the profound impact of giving back.
From the bike shop that gives back
After retiring, Steve sought a meaningful way to contribute to society. With a background in mechanical engineering and a passion for cycling, he discovered Life Cycle and its Bikes Beyond Bars programme. Intrigued by the opportunity to work with prisoners and teach them bike mechanics, Steve began volunteering at the Bristol Hub, Life Cycle’s bike shop and Cytech training centre.
His initial role involved checking over refurbished bikes, but his commitment soon led him to volunteer within HMP Bristol’s prison workshop.
Into HMP Bristol’s bike workshop
In the prison workshop, Steve not only imparted technical skills but also fostered an environment of trust and respect. He collaborated with prisoners to solve mechanical challenges. Through this approach, Steve helped inmates develop both hard and soft skills, boosting their employability and self-esteem.
Life Cycle’s Bikes Beyond Bars programme takes donated bikes into secure prison workshops. Here, prisoners are taught how to fully refurbish them while working toward a Cytech bike mechanics qualification—for many, this will be their first qualification.
In 2023 alone, Life Cycle trained 99 individuals, refurbished 860 bikes, and encouraged 92% of participants to pursue further training after their release.
Changing lives, one bike at a time
One of the most rewarding aspects of Steve’s volunteer work is witnessing the personal growth of the individuals he mentors. He recalls the story of Adam, a former prisoner who, after completing his training, became a volunteer at the Bristol Hub. Adam’s journey from incarceration to active community involvement underscores the program’s success in breaking the cycle of reoffending.
Support Life Cycle’s Bikes Beyond Bars project
Life Cycle can help your organisation to become more sustainable through cycling. We’re here to speak to businesses about how they can improve sustainability and workplace well-being with simple, affordable cycling measures.
When you buy a refurbished bike, book a service, complete a Cytech course, or donate a bike to Life Cycle, you’re helping power real change.
Your support helps fund Bikes Beyond Bars, as well as Life Cycle’s other charitable projects, which remove barriers to cycling, promote sustainability and help to transform lives. You’re giving someone in prison the opportunity to learn valuable skills, gain confidence, and earn a qualification.
Read more about Steve’s story as a Life Cycle volunteer here.
