Sanctuary Wheels will provide free, refurbished bikes, and tuition for hundreds of refugees across Oxfordshire.

This includes the many refugees fleeing war in Ukraine and arriving into our county. We will provide bikes, lights, locks, helmets and translated tuition so that refugees can benefit from being able to get around independently, access essential services, and get to know their new communities.

Sanctuary Wheels is run by Cyclox, Active Oxfordshire and Asylum Welcome, in partnership with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and many community organisations across the county.

£20 provides a lock and lights for one bike

£60 covers all the costs needed to provide a bike for one refugee

Donated bikes give refugees a free mode of transport, but they also offer some freedom and independence.

Kathryn McNicoll, Sanctuary Wheels Project Coordinator

Background

Between 2020-21 our Bikes for Key Workers project matched 380 donated bikes to NHS and social care staff who were unable to use public transport during lockdown, or were keen to take advantage of quieter roads to build-up confidence cycling to work.

The Sanctuary Wheels project builds on the success of the key workers project and is testament to the generosity of the bike-giving public. Launching in February 2022, the project initially focused on providing bikes to young unaccompanied refugees arriving in Oxford City. As war started in Ukraine, it quickly became clear that the scope of the project would need expanding.

Can you donate a bike?

We will be holding Bike Donation Days across Oxfordshire in partnership with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, local schools, and community organisations.

We are collecting bikes of reasonable condition that are suitable for adults, teenagers, and children. 

If you have a bike that is no longer used and is still serviceable, it could make a big difference. All donated bikes will be refurbished and safety checked.

To be notified about our next Bike Donation Day, subscribe to our mailing list.

If you have questions about donating a bike, contact Kathryn: honsec@cyclox.org.

Are you a partner organisation, or host family?

If you would like to request donated bikes, contact Kathryn (honsec@cyclox.org) and let her know the approximate height of the intended recipients so that she is able to source a suitable bike.