Chrisp Street Community Cycles | Impact Report | February 2022 | Hubbub

February 2022

Chain Reaction

How Chrisp Street Community Cycles got more women cycling in Poplar

Ambition Chrisp Street Community Cycles (CSCC) aims to empower women in Poplar specifically Muslim women to cycle more, improving their health and wellbeing, building their confidence to create role models to inspire others.

Project overview CSCC is a community cycling hub, situated in a disused shop on a busy Poplar high street in Tower Hamlets. The hub offers a range of free activities to enable residents to start cycling and build confidence, including free cycle loans. The project is a partnership between environmental charity Hubbub, walking and cycling charity Sustrans, and housing association Poplar HARCA. This report summarises the impact of the pilot (Phase One) which ran from August to November 2021, operating twice a week during school holidays and once a week during term time.

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Every part of the community should have an opportunity to enjoy what cycling has to offer. We look forward to sharing the learnings of this pilot with other organisations keen to support community cycling schemes.

- Trewin Restorick, CEO and co-founder at Hubbub

We want to empower a million more Londoners with the skills, confidence and equipment they need to cycle regularly.

Chrisp Street Community Hub is a brilliant example of putting this into practice.

- Ruth Chiat, Head of Behaviour Change at Sustrans, London

​​ Initiatives such as this, that give opportunities for local residents to borrow and learn about bikes, are essential if we want to encourage more cycling in our communities.

- Babu Bhattacherjee, Director of Communities & Neighbourhoods at Poplar HARCA

As a council, we are always looking for ways to make the borough a greener and healthier place for all of our residents, including making travel by cycling easier and safer. Chrisp Street Community Cycles exists to make cycling accessible for the whole community – meaning more residents can enjoy the benefits of cycling while socialising with their neighbours and getting around sustainably. ​​

- Councillor Kahar Chowdhury, Cabinet Member for Highways and Public Realm

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Context As outlined in the Decarbonising Transport Report 2021, at a policy level, the Government aims for half of all urban journeys to be cycled or walked by 2030. Covid lockdowns have fuelled a surge in cycling - according to research by Strava, cycling increased by more than 35% in London and by nearly 50% in the South East between February 2020 and Feb 2021.

This demand was more apparent in underrepresented groups.

Cycling has a myriad of benefits: it’s fun, good for your physical and mental health, saves you time and money on transport and reduces air pollution.

However, some groups are less likely to cycle. The Sustrans 2020 Cycling For Everyone report stated that in the UK, 36% of women and 55% of people from ethnic minority groups who don’t currently cycle would like to start. The Sustrans 2019 Tower Hamlets Bike Life Report found that, of those who cycled at least once a week, just 6% are women (vs 16% men) and 7% of people from minority ethnic groups (vs 16% of white people).

Barriers to cycling in Tower Hamlets The project partners had a good understanding of barriers to cycling for Muslim women from previous cycling projects within the borough.

This insight gathering included numerous in-depth interviews and informal conversations with predominantly Bangladeshi and Somali women about their desire to get cycling and the barriers preventing them.

This anecdotal data was supported by the Sustrans Bike Life Tower Hamlet’s Report and Cycling for Everyone: A Guide to Inclusive Cycling in Cities report.

Chrisp Street Community Cycles

Tower Hamlets

Poplar

What are the barriers to Muslim women cycling in Tower Hamlets?

Lack of secure space to store a bike with Tower Hamlets being one of the most densely populated boroughs in the UK.

Lack of female cycle instructors in the borough.

A lack of time alongside childcare and other caring responsibilities.

The cost of access to a bike.

Having never cycled or having not cycled for years.

Cycling is not the cultural norm for women in their communities.

Safety concerns, especially roads.

Multiple children to transport and too much to carry.

Transforming a disused shop into a thriving cycling community hub CSCC was set up to offer free support to residents on every pedal of their journey by equipping them with everything they needed to use a bike for both leisure and transport. This included the opportunity to borrow bikes, lessons on how learn to ride, bike repair skills, and more. This programme of activities was created alongside cycling experts, community leaders and Muslim women to ensure theyfelt listened to and the programme would benefit the people we hoped would use it.

Over 24 days, 71 activities were delivered…

151 bikes loaned

445 participants took part (305 adults and 140 children)

1434 residents visited the hub to talk about cycling

2 local women were employed to deliver sessions

Lessons

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23 Learn to ride sessions – including family learn to ride and women-only sessions.

10 Improve your cycle skills sessions (Bikeability Level 1).

Boosting skills and confidence • •

4 On-road cycle skills sessions (Bikeability Level 2).

11 Guided rides including family and women-only rides.

Sessions to help people fix their bike • • •

4 Learn to fix your bike sessions.

4 Dr Bike sessions – simple bike repair sessions.

182 bikes repaired.

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I use the loan bikes as I don’t have space to store a bike, I would love to continue to borrow bikes!

The hub itself has become a focal point for the whole community, whether they want to learn to cycle or not. In fact, we noticed many people like to stop by for a chat. The hub has brought people together, instilling a sense of community. As Naaema My daughters’ bikes says “we don’t just provide cycling have been broken, forgotten training, we provide smiles!”. and unloved in our garden for over a year. When we heard about this initiative it was the perfect opportunity to finally get them fixed.

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The difference made 1

CSCC got people cycling for the first time, or back on their bike after a break • •

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CSCC reached our target audience, the groups most interested in learning to cycle and those with the most barriers • • •

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35% of the participants had never cycled 22% had cycled but aren’t currently

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My first session about a week ago was to check my cycling ability and skills - it was lovely!

I hadn’t ridden in years and thoroughly enjoyed it.

I was so pleased to be back cycling.

82% were female 71% Asian, British Asian and Arabic 14.8% Black, Black African, Caribbean and Somali

Participants plan to cycle more in the future and feel more confident cycling as a result of the hub After taking part in the sessions, participants would consider...

• 98% Cycling more for fun • 85% Cycling more to get around • 82% Buying their own bike

Since joining a session, participants noted: 80% Learnt a new skill • “I have learnt how to use my gears.”

72% Plan to cycle more often • “The day we loaned a bike from Chrisp Street was the game-changer.

The lady chose a bike that was just right for my son. Which helped him to ride the bike independently. It was exactly like the little turtles start swimming when they hit the water. I was in awe, how much difference a correct size bike can make.”

• “I have decided to cycle to work as a result of the sessions, thank you.”

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“My daughter is so excited that her bike is now roadworthy again.

She is already planning her first bike ride with her cousins. Following the pandemic, our family has begun to make positive changes to our lifestyle wellbeing and work-life balance. Following today, family bike rides will be a big part of this too.”

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67% Felt more confident cycling • “Last week’s session has definitely given me more self-confidence and belief that I can still ride” • “I just feel my self-confidence is increasing every time I come along to the cycling sessions.”

• “I feel confident to ride one on my own and in my own time.”

• “Through this whole scheme, I’ve learnt to ride a bike” • “Wouldn’t have had the confidence to ride on the road but I managed to navigate this safely”

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Returning participants noted other benefits as a result of taking part 77% Feel happy and healthy • “Cycling is great for mental and physical health.”

• “I’ve found it beneficial for my mental health and physical health.”

• “We don’t just provide cycling training, we provide smiles!”- Naaema ride leader 70% Are enjoying nature more • “It’s excellent to keep the children active and connect with nature (to) make them environmentally aware of things in their local area.”

Press and comms reach • •

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14 pieces of coverage with opportunities to see/hear of over 365,000 Broadcast coverage including local East London radio station Time 107.5’, ‘Reasons to be cheerful’’ podcast with Ed Milliband and Geoff Lloyd and ‘Streets Ahead” podcast.

1800 website views on www.communitycycles.co.uk

Stories Naz

Cycling to self-confidence ​​ Before attending her first session at CSCC, Naz had taken several Learn to Ride lessons but had not been able to master cycling and was giving up hope. She joined a session at CSCC and the supportive encouraging environment helped her to cycle! The next week she returned and loaned a bike and within half a day she was cycling with ease.

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The convenient location of the hub and being able to book free cycling lessons, learn about bike safety and maintenance have been game-changing. If you’re rusty like me, you can learn to ride. It’s such good exercise and I feel fitter.

Cycling will help reduce pollution and kids will be more health-conscious. Save your money, learn to ride.

There are no cons, all pros.

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I feel my self-confidence is increasing every time I come along to a session… I felt like I was flying when we cycled along the Thames, it was amazing.

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Sangeeta

Formerly rusty rider to confident commuter After years of not cycling, Sangeeta joined the learn to ride sessions to boost her confidence and build her fitness. The sessions helped her try out a range of bikes and she’s now bought her own bike and is even cycling to work.. She also brought her children’s bikes down to be serviced and now they can go and ride as a family.

Jahura

“Cycling wasn’t for me”

Despite wanting to cycle, Jahura thought that it wasn’t possible for her as she didn’t learn as a child. CSCC provided a welcoming space to learn to ride and her confidence and skills developed quickly. Soon, she loaned bikes with her friends to practice in the park and began cycling with her sons. After one ‘social ride’, led by hub staff, Jahura says...

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My face and cheeks were hurting because I was smiling so much. I was so happy.

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Naaema

A role model for her community Naema started cycling after a period of ill health and is one of the most passionate advocates for cycling you’ll ever meet. She started her cycling journey with Cycle Sisters, the Muslim women’s cycling group who Hubbub worked within Tower Hamlets and now delivers learn to ride sessions at Mile End Park, and social rides at CSCC. Naaema quickly became one of our most valuable assets. She’s now started her National Instructor training course to pursue a career in cycling.

“It’s about challenging those mental barriers that women face telling them they can’t do something. Once they have learnt to cycle, they ask themselves, “What else can I do?” It’s so empowering!”.

Serena

Building a career in cycling Serena is a regular cyclist and through CSCC started her training as a Cycle Instructor after taking part in a previous cycling project run by Poplar HARCA. She’s been an integral member of CSCC since day one, first supporting sessions to complete her qualification to now delivering sessions to all ages and abilities. She’s now working on other Sustrans projects in addition to CSCC.

Lessons learnt along the ride 1

Gather insights to help identify and understand your audience.

Through years of collective experience working in the borough and insight gathering including interviews and focus groups led

by Hubbub and the Sustrans Bike Life report, we had a detailed understanding of the barriers and motivations to Muslim women in Tower Hamlet’s cycling. The two biggest barriers were fear of cycling and lack of storage, which helped narrow CSCC’s focus.

To help build confidence the hub offered learn to ride sessions, social rides and on-road cycle sessions and bike loans.

To assist with the storage issue the hub provided free day bike loans.

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Build something bespoke and co-design it with your target audience.

CSCC worked so well because residents have local ownership over the space and frequently helped feed into the design and programming.

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Location, location, location.

We recommend choosing a high footfall, convenient area, which can be easily accessed by all. Having some internal and external presence helps to showcase what you’re doing and invite people in. Hubs should be situated near to a park or somewhere beginners cycling activities can take place.

Flexibility is key.

Our delivery was flexible and inclusive and sessions were adapted to work for those who turned up. Allow time for chatting and developing relationships and don’t be afraid to adapt the delivery as you go based on feedback and community desire. Weather can also mean that people don’t turn up

but don’t necessarily cancel sessions as rain usually passes quickly.

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Make the space welcoming.

It needs to be accessible to those who are new to cycling. This could include: • Large windows and inviting window displays to entice residents • Maps of the local area • Guidance on cycling for beginners • Testimonials from others who’ve taken part • Showing users the space is for them by employing local people and using representative photography Make communications inclusive and relevant.

Making sure language, design and photography are inclusive of your audience is crucial. Don’t assume everyone is online. Leaflets and word of mouth are just as useful, if not more, than websites and social media channels.

Role models – employ local residents such as key community members.

A barrier that came up frequently in our research was many don’t see ‘people like them’ cycling. Employing women representative of our audience has been crucial to inspiring others to start cycling.

This also creates opportunities for paid employment and training of residents.

Enlist kids to help engage adults in cycling.

By running children’s cycle sessions we were able to get our target audience, Mums, to give cycling a try. Kids are fearless and willing to try new things and in most cases encourage their parents to take part.

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Collaborate - bring a range of organisations on board with different skill sets.

CSCC benefited from the partnership, and relationship with the council, local grassroots cycling groups such as Cycle Sisters and Joy Riders and a strong relationship with Bikeworks who deliver Dr Bike sessions.

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Gain the local authority’s buy-in early on.

They hey have access to useful networks such as other cycling groups in the borough, may be able to help with securing a space, and were critical in helping to unlock further funding opportunities for CSCC.

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Ask for ID and personal details instead of a financial contribution.

The hub staff knew from previous projects that people were often hesitant to put a financial deposit down and this would have created additional risks for staff handling cash etc. Instead, the hub asked for proof of ID and address, which would then be destroyed. Before the campaign, we expected some bikes not to return. Fortunately, to date, all bikes have been returned!

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Accept that it will take time.

It takes a lot of time and resource to develop partnerships, build relationships, co-design and deliver a programme of activities and recruit and train staff and local volunteers.

However, these are all crucial elements that have a genuine impact and will assist in creating a hub built for those you’re trying to reach.

Have clear roles and processes in place to ensure everything runs smoothly.

There’s a vast array of tasks with differing skills needed so it helps to have clear roles and responsibilities from the start. At CSCC there was a core delivery team, others assisting with communications and evaluation and some dedicated to securing funding and thinking and the sustainability of the project.

Creating a legacy The survey responses and anecdotal conversations suggest the hub has been transformational for those that use it. A priority over the coming months will be to help residents further build confidence and equip them with everything they need to cycle independently.

A key aim for the project was enabling local Muslim women to consider taking on roles within the delivery team at the hub or qualifying to become cycle instructors within the borough. This will ensure in the future there will be cycle training provision that meets the needs of local women.

During the pilot, the hub employed and mentored Naaema and Serena who will be completing their instructor training over the coming months.

Phase Two

Open

In September 2021 CSCC ran a Spacehive crowdfunding campaign, raising £12k from 91 generous individuals and organisations for Phase Two of the project. The Spacehive funding, alongside funding from Tower Hamlets council, will enable the hub to stay operational until April 2022 and deliver a new programme of cycling activities which will allow the hub to: Be open for two days a week.

Continue to support participants on their journey into cycling.

Launch a free winter cycle skills and confidence programme of activities, for all abilities including a beginners women-only cycle club and a Build a Bike workshop.

Create at least 6 volunteer opportunities and offer support for paid work in the cycling industry.

Host a bike swap event for residents to bring and exchange unwanted bikes.

Expand the bike library to include more children’s bikes and a trailer.

Advocate for more affordable accessible cycle storage.

Work with cycle providers and Tower Hamlets council to ensure the borough’s training sessions meet the needs of local women.

Looking ahead The project has been a huge success, with 98% of participants surveyed wanting the hub to stay open permanently. The project partners are currently looking for funding to continue to develop the project throughout 2022 and create a sustainable model of delivery that will be led by residents in partnership with Poplar HARCA.

Scaling CSCC is looking at how the impact to date can be continued in Poplar and further afield. As part of Phase 2, CSCC will further test and refine the approach in Tower Hamlets. This might include developing a strategy for setting up further community cycle hubs in other parts of London (and further afield) for those under-represented in cycling. If you’re interested in collaborating with CSCC please get in touch at hello@hubbub.org.uk.

Thank you For more information about Chrisp Street Community Cycles visit www.hubbub.org.uk/chrisp-street-community-cycles