Life Cycles Secures £20,000 National Lottery Funding to Empower Communities Through Cycling
21 February 2025
Find out moreLife Cycles is thrilled to announce that it has been awarded £20,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund to support its transformative new project, “Pedal Powered: Reviving Communities Through Bike Refurbishment.” This initiative will provide refurbished bicycles, cycle training, and maintenance workshops to individuals facing transport barriers, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
With rising transport costs impacting many local residents, this project will offer an affordable and sustainable solution, helping people access employment, education, and community activities while promoting active travel and environmental sustainability.
Kate Beggs, Northern Ireland Director of The National Lottery Community Fund said: “Congratulations to Life Cycles NI on their £20,000 National Lottery grant. With many people struggling with the rising costs of living, this project will make a big difference in their daily lives, helping them to travel in a low-cost and environmentally friendly way.
“National Lottery players can be proud to know the £30 million they raise each week for good causes, is making such a difference to people in Northern Ireland.”
“We are delighted to receive this funding, which will allow us to expand our bike refurbishment programme and directly support those in our community who need it most,” said Monica Downey, Project Manager of Life Cycles. “By providing access to bicycles, safety equipment, and essential cycling skills, we hope to create lasting change by empowering people with independent and low-cost transport options.”
Through the funding, Life Cycles will refurbish 100 donated bicycles, ensuring they are roadworthy and safe. Beneficiaries will also receive essential bike safety kits—including locks, lights, high-visibility vests, bells, and pumps—along with cycle skills and bike maintenance workshops to give them the confidence to ride and maintain their bicycles.
About Life Cycles
Life Cycles is a volunteer-driven social enterprise based at the train station in Derry/Londonderry, where we sell affordable, refurbished bicycles in partnership with Translink and Sustrans. We accept donated bikes at our bike drop-off point at Pennyburn Recycling Centre, in partnership with Derry City & Strabane District Council (DCSDC), helping to reduce waste and promote cycling.
Life Cycles started out in Monica’s garage during the COVID-19 pandemic, as a Zero Waste North West initiative. Since June 2021, 5,000 bikes have been recycled, diverting approximately 60 tonnes of waste from landfill—giving bikes a second life and making cycling accessible to all.
We are always looking for volunteers to help with bike refurbishment, community outreach, and events. If you’re passionate about cycling and sustainability or just want to be part of a friendly team, get in touch!
Join the Team – We’re Hiring a Project Coordinator!
As part of this exciting expansion, Life Cycles is looking to recruit a Project Coordinator to oversee the successful delivery of the Pedal Powered initiative. This 12-month, part-time role (14 hours per week, hybrid/flexible working) will involve managing project activities, engaging with the community, coordinating volunteers, and ensuring the programme runs smoothly.
For more information on the job role and how to apply, visit: indeedhi.re/4i0Occf
A Huge Thank You to The National Lottery
Life Cycles extends its heartfelt gratitude to The National Lottery Community Fund and National Lottery players for making this project possible. Their generous support will enable us to change lives, build stronger communities, and create a more sustainable future—one bike at a time.
📩 For media enquiries, contact:
Cat Brogan
07951287526
https://www.facebook.com/LifecyclesNI
