The Prison Cycle Project
We run cycling and bike mechanics programmes for people in the justice system — teaching real skills, and giving people something to leave with.
The work is real
Bikes come in broken and go out working. Stripped, diagnosed, rebuilt and tested. Nobody is filling time.
Everyone who takes part learns something a workshop would actually pay for — wheel building, brake systems, gear indexing, diagnostics. These are trade skills, taught to trade standard, because anything less would be a waste of everyone's afternoon.
It does not stop at the gate
People leaving the justice system meet the same barrier again and again. No transport means no work. No work means no way forward. A bus pass runs out; a bike does not.
That is why the bikes are free, why the workshop door stays open afterwards, and why we run a cycle trainer course specifically for people with justice experience — so the qualification goes with you, not just the bike.
Where we work
HMP Barlinnie
Year-round support for families, with bikes for their children at Christmas.
HMP Greenock
Cycling leadership and community rehabilitation, with the Scottish Prison Service.
Lilias Centre
Train the Trainer at Scotland's national women's custody facility.
Free bikes for people with justice experience
We provide bikes, free, to people with experience of the justice system. Self-referral is welcome, or a support worker can refer on your behalf. Every enquiry is confidential.
Because we run on limited funding, we can only accept requests within Glasgow, and there is currently a waiting list. We would rather tell you that now than have you waiting on an answer that is not coming.