Alice is the founder of United Bikes, offering free cycle training to refugee women in York. Meeting in local parks, they bring bicycles and friendship. The project has brought people and communities together to give women a space to talk, support and learn from one another. 

Alice Thatcher said…

“As a British woman living in the beautiful city of York, I take for granted my right to ride a bicycle – to zip from one side of the city to the next in a few minutes, to access work, leisure and the shops with ease. It is easy to forget how lucky I am to be free to move with no limits. 

“I can’t drive due to health reasons, so even though it is a choice and an everyday joy to ride my bike, if I really think about it, it is also a lifeline.

I believe in the power of the bicycle. I believe that it can improve physical and mental health, it can increase access to essential services, education and work. It is quick and it saves you money. 

I believe in the power of the bicycle. I believe that it can improve physical and mental health, it can increase access to essential services, education and work. It is quick and it saves you money. 

Alice Thatcher

“So, in 2016, after learning of the York Resettlement programme of Syrian refugees, it made me think that maybe the bicycle could help. Offering refugees living in York a way to freely move around the city as I do every day, seemed a simple way for me – as a qualified NSI cycle instructor – to offer support to these newly arrived individuals. This is where our story began. 

“United Bikes offers a free cycle training service to refugee women living in York. We meet regularly in local parks in the city, bring a fleet of bikes and some cake. It is as simple as that. The bike is the tool to bring these women together. The project has opened up opportunities for socialising, making friends, improving language skills and learning about this beautiful city. The bicycle not only improves the health of these women it also encourages positive cultural and social integration between British locals and their multi-ethnic neighbours. It offers freedom to move, learn, talk and share. 

The project has opened up opportunities for socialising, making friends, improving language skills and learning about this beautiful city. The bicycle not only improves the health of these women it also encourages positive cultural and social integration between British locals and their multi-ethnic neighbours.

Alice Thatcher

“We have taught women from all over the world. Turkish, Syrian, Indian, Malawian and Sudanese, to name a few! Women come to the session at varying levels of cycle ability; however, most have never sat in a saddle before. Some women have come from countries where it is frowned upon to cycle as a woman, and until very recently it was illegal to cycle in some parts of the world – another shocking fact that jolted me into being thankful for my freedom here in the UK. 

“Admittedly, we do spend a lot of time chatting over tea and something sweet. But that’s OK and in fact equally as important as learning to ride a bicycle. We offer social activities throughout the year, including city walks, picnics and even supper clubs, with plans to expand further. We have built a multicultural, multilingual community of women who are friends, residents and people who also happen to be able to ride a bike.”

Nominated by…

Alice was nominated for the 100 Women in Cycling by James Orange who said: 

“Alice started United Bikes to teach refugee women how to cycle and to gain confidence on the road. Through the regular groups and lessons she does more than just teach cycling. 

“She brings people and communities together – giving these women a space to talk, share stories and make lasting friendships.

“Alice started United Bikes on her own and has grown it into a successful social enterprise business. As well as inspiring cycling confidence, she has also broken down barriers for these refugees and empowered them to get out into the community using a fun and sustainable form of transport.

“Alice inspires because she has a real love of cycling and wants to share that with as many people as she can. She is also a real humanitarian and understands what an amazing thing it is to be free and able to move under your own power. The energy she brings to United Bikes and the way she has built the group up and brought in other like-minded businesses and people from around York is amazing to see."