'Great sadness' as longstanding cycle charity closes Derby branch after 'challenging period'

A branch of a charity that has supported thousands of Derby cyclists over more than a decade has been forced to close after struggling to survive post-Covid. The CEO of Life Cycle, a charity that works with people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to encourage cycling and careers in the indsutry, has issued a heartfelt statement confirming the closure, citing longstanding financial pressures as a primary factor.

A spokesperson for the charity, which opened the branch on Canal Street, near Derby Railway Station, 11 years ago, also said that the newly announced policy to raise employer National Insurance contributions has "significantly" added to the aforementioned financial pressures. This, combined with complications around its workshop lease renewal and the high costs of renting alternative premises, has left the hub in an "untenable" position.

Ed Norton, CEO of Life Cycle, said: "The unwavering commitment of our incredible team, along with support from our partners, customers, and donors, has carried us this far in highly challenging conditions. However, financial pressures have escalated to the point of becoming unsustainable. This decision has been extraordinarily difficult to make.

"The closure of the Derby Hub will leave a significant gap in Derby’s cycling community, especially for individuals who face additional barriers to cycling. However, we are hugely thankful to the people and organisations who have supported our mission and proud of what we have accomplished together over the past 11 years."

Founded in 2013, Life Cycle’s Derby Hub was dedicated to recycling and refurbishing bicycles, making cycling more accessible to the community. The workshop not only served the public but also provided support for individuals facing social and economic challenges, including refugees, prisoners, and people on low incomes.

In the last five years alone, the Derby Hub has helped over 3,000 people. One of these individuals, Yosief, a local refugee, shared his story: “When I first arrived in Derby, they welcomed me with a smile and a helping hand, and they offered me a road bike, which changed my life.

"Cycling has enhanced my physical health and mental well-being and helped me overcome culture shock by allowing me to make friends and integrate into the community.” In 2021, the Derby Hub became an accredited training centre for bicycle mechanics, reflecting its dedication to strengthening the cycling sector. The Hub has been widely recognized for its warm, welcoming environment and its impact on the local community.

One Google Review from “Drone Swarm” said: "Excellent in every way: The staff are great, the stock is great, what they do as a charity is great, the world needs more like this. I won’t shop for a bike, or a service anywhere else. Excellent!”

The charity was initially founded in 1999 and has supported more than 87,000 people to access the health, environmental and social benefits of cycling. It also holds the Robin Corbett Award for prisoner reintegration as a result of its work in prisons such as HMP Fosse Way, furthermore showing its dedication to transforming the lives of others.