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Launched in 2021 as a response to the growing need for inclusive, practical cycle training in Liverpool during COVID, Clean Brake builds on the success of the earlier Dr Bike initiative. Research told us that lots of people couldn’t afford to get their bikes repaired and this was why many people hadn’t previously cycled. The minor repairs were obstacles and led to bikes becoming redundant and falling into permanent disrepair. Dr Bike was a response to this problem and enabled Cycle of Life to train people as bike mechanics through an innovative ‘pop-up’ street service. The programme was then further enhanced through collaboration with prestigious national cycling bodies. Clean Brake was the result and was designed not just to teach bike skills but to use cycling as a vehicle for social change.
The main objective through the cycle maintenance aspect of the Clean Brake Project is to support new cyclists and make sure they can maintain their bikes once they feel confident riding around the city. Paying for bike repairs can be expensive so by teaching people the skills to maintain their bikes, this mitigates the potential financial barriers that new riders may face.
In addition to this, teaching riders how to maintain their bikes can give them a foundation to upskill from. Understanding how to maintain their bikes may then lead to further training opportunities and potential employment.
Our Clean Brake Project and bike maintenance workshops are young people who will benefit most from cycle training and personal development support. We primarily aim to support at-risk or marginalised youth, refugees and asylum seekers and low-income or vulnerable groups, initially serving the Liverpool City Region (e.g. Toxteth and surrounding areas), with referrals from local councils and youth services. For example, one partnership involves referrals of young people (16–25) via Halton Council’s youth support channels. The template is adaptable to any region or community with similar needs, and we hope to extend the programme across Merseyside and beyond. Please get in touch with us if you have any queries or are interested in the project. Our contact details can be found on the menu, under “Contact us”.
