Refugees cycle training is 'so beneficial'

A refugee group in the East Riding has said receiving new bikes and cycle safety training for people has been "so beneficial".

East Riding of Yorkshire Council's road safety team organised the two-day Refugee Cycle Project at the East Riding Leisure Beverley centre in Flemingate for 16 people.

The project was set up to give men or women of all ages who were originally from Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine the chance to travel around the region more independently as they build new lives.

Councillor Paul West said the project had made a "positive impact" to people's lives.

He said: "I'm pleased we've been able to equip these refugees with the knowledge and skills they need to get around the East Riding by themselves.

"Delivering projects like this and seeing how much of a positive impact it can make to individuals is truly heart-warming for all the teams involved.

"This is a testament to the collaborative working between council teams and the Refugee Council."

The council also organised the event last month, and over the last eight years said it had helped more than 100 refugees.

The latest event saw the group learn both theory and practical training, including cycling without traffic before then progressing on to public roads.

They were also taught basic bike maintenance and upkeep.

At the end of the project those they were then given second-hand bikes and cycling equipment including helmets, bike locks, lights, puncture repair kits and hi-vis jackets.

The project was carried out in partnership with the Refugee Council and the council's housing strategy team, which provided the interpreters and whose members also attended the event.

Livinia Cawthorne, area manager for the Refugee Council, which worked with the council's team, said having access to a bike is "crucial for many refugees who live in rural areas".

She said: "This scheme has been so beneficial for the refugees we support as it enables them to build their confidence to ride on the roads safely as well as giving them the opportunity to meet people from the local communities."

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