Helping more people in Gloucester get moving, stay healthy, and access opportunities through cycling.
Pedal Together Gloucester is a local initiative that provides free bikes and support to people who need them most. The project is part of the National Free Bike Network and is designed to break down barriers to cycling, helping residents lead healthier, more connected lives.
What is Pedal Together Gloucester?
Pedal Together Gloucester offers eligible residents the opportunity to access a free bike, alongside practical support to help them get riding with confidence.
The scheme is about more than just bikes. It’s about creating lasting change – making it easier for people to travel affordably, improve their wellbeing, and feel part of their community.
Participants in the programme receive:
- A bike to use over a 12-month period (with the opportunity to keep it through regular use)
- Safety equipment such as helmets and locks
- Cycle training and maintenance support
- Ongoing encouragement and guidance to help build confidence
Why it matters
In Gloucester, many people face barriers to getting around, staying active, or accessing work and education opportunities. Cycling can be a simple, low-cost solution – but not everyone can afford a bike or feels confident using one.
Pedal Together Gloucester aims to change that by:
- Making cycling accessible to people on lower incomes
- Supporting healthier lifestyles and reducing physical inactivity
- Helping people travel to work, training, and education more easily
- Reducing social isolation and strengthening community connections
Supporting healthier, greener communities
The project helps individuals while also benefiting the wider community.
Through Pedal Together Gloucester, we’re helping to:
- Improve physical and mental wellbeing
- Reduce traffic and carbon emissions
- Create stronger, more connected neighbourhoods
- Encourage active travel across the city
The programme also makes the most of Gloucestershire’s Cycle Spine, helping people safely travel between communities, workplaces, and local services.
Who is the programme for?
Pedal Together Gloucester is targeted at people who would benefit most from access to a bike and support to use it.
As a guide, the programme focuses on individuals who:
✅ Live in Podsmead, Barton or Tredworth
✅ Do not have access to a car
✅ Are currently unemployed
✅ Have a disability or long-term health condition
✅ Do less than 30 minutes of physical activity per week
All candidates must meet the eligibility criteria to be considered for the programme.
Referrals must be made through our Community Spokes – individuals are not able to apply directly.
We are currently working with two Community Spokes:
- Freedom Leisure, covering Podsmead
- The Friendship Café, covering Barton and Tredworth
These organisations play a key role in identifying people who may benefit from the programme.
Before any referral is made, a Community Spoke will have a friendly, informal conversation with the individual to better understand their circumstances and how the programme could support them. They will assess eligibility against the criteria and, where appropriate, make a referral to the Pedal Together Gloucester team.
Fine out more
If you’re interested in finding out whether you’re eligible, or would like to learn more about the programme, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact one of the Community Spokes today to find out more and take your first step towards cycling.
Podsmead:
Email: blackbridge@freedom-leisure.co.uk
Phone: 01452 946069
Barton and Tredworth:
Email: info@thefriendshipcafe.com
Phone: 01452 308127
