Falling this Saturday on April 29th, Local Bike Shop Day celebrates independent bike shops across the UK and the personalised service they offer to their local communities.

Here in Kingston, the borough is fortunate enough to have its very own non-profit organisation committed to making cycling inclusive for all residents in a sustainable and accessible manner.

Full Cycle was launched in July 2020, in response to the shortage of bike-related community facilities in the Kingston area with the sole intention of giving people from all backgrounds access to affordable cycling and to promote active travel.

Whilst Kingston is predominately an affluent area, the borough has pockets of deprivation that rank amongst some of the most disadvantaged in the country, most of which are less than a mile from the shared enterprise's base in Berrylands, Kingston.

Given the strong link between deprivation and wellbeing, and Kingston's growing number of residents - driven by high-density developments and a large student population - Full Cycle seeks to also help those vulnerable to mental health issues, people on a low income, those from a social care background, young people, refugees and people recovering from homelessness and drug addiction.

In its first three years of service, the non-profit has developed partnerships with RBKares and Refugee Action, with additional recent projects for Kingston-based youth charity Oxygen, Save The World Club and KCAH (Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness).

Run by Full Cycle founder, Gary Lee, and his team of volunteers, the project provides affordable, professionally-repaired, reconditioned or rebuilt bikes and teaches people the skills to fix and maintain their newly-acquired wheels.

The community interest company (CIC) receives its donated bikes from a variety of sources including the public, South Western Railway and housing associations.

After being refurbished by Full Cycle's team of mechanics and volunteers, they are then donated directly to good causes throughout Kingston or sold to the public, with profits then used to source new parts to allow the organisation to continue subsidising bikes for local charities.

Full Cycle volunteer Diane and RBKares guest Marek receiving his bike

Speaking to Kingston Nub News, Full Cycle founder Gary Lee explained the team's equal passion for recycling and cycling, and the positive impact the latter can have on mental and physical wellbeing, are the key motivators for carrying out the work that they do within the borough.

Gary told Nub News: "Everyone involved with Full Cycle is as passionate about recycling as they are cycling, so being able to reduce landfill by giving new life to old unloved bikes is – we hope – one simple way we can bring about some positive benefits for society.

"We know first-hand how cycling is hugely beneficial for mental as well as physical wellbeing. In creating Full Cycle Community Bike Project, we therefore wanted to help give people access to affordable, efficient and healthy ways to get around. 

"We also know how valuable it can be for individuals and families to have access to their own bike in leaner times, and that taking away travel costs for local journeys during the current cost of living crisis can be a lifeline for many."

He continued: "Equally, recognising how Kingston Council declared a Climate Emergency in June 2019, we feel strongly that empowering more people to switch to bikes for local journeys and encouraging people to take advantage of Kingston's ever-improving cycling infrastructure – whether that's cycling to school or to the shops – has a key role to play in easing congestion and pollution levels."

Full Cycle's regular 'fix your own bike' sessions and bike maintenance workshops allow Kingston residents to learn essential cycle maintenance skills under the tutorage of professional staff and experienced volunteers.

May is set to see the launch of the latest maintenance classes, with Level 1 classes starting from 16th May and running on the third Tuesday of every month (6-8pm) and the Level 2 sessions commencing on May 23rd, running on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

Full Cycle is always on the lookout to expand its family and with volunteering opportunities across the board, there are plenty of ways for residents to jump aboard its ongoing cycling mission.

Gary added: "We're lucky to have an amazing team of talented volunteers that help ensure Full Cycle can support lots of inspiring charities across the borough, and try to take a very socially inclusive approach to the team.

"From students to retired teachers, cycling instructors to former police staff, and people moving from being bike beneficiaries to volunteers, each individual plays a vital role in helping us make cycling as accessible as possible to the local community. 

"With the cost of living crisis, there's never been more demand from local groups for our help. So, as our projects expand, we're always on the lookout for more volunteers to get involved, whether they can spare a few hours a week or a month. 

"Experience isn't always necessary either – we just need friendly and reliable people of all ages who are keen to learn, have a can-do attitude and want to help give more people the confidence to ride safely!"

RBKares Wellbeing Day guest receiving their bike (RBKares Kate Kenyon left, Gary right)

As well as its ongoing partnerships with organisations such as the Kingston Cycling Campaign, Full Cycle has a range of planned collaborations in the pipeline including with Norbiton's Cambridge Road Estate, Job Centre Plus and Kingston University.

For more information on the Full Cycle Community Bike Project and how you can get involved, visit the link here.

For further details on the upcoming maintenance sessions, contact [email protected]