Georgina and Irene's travel options were limited before they joined Nottingham Jobseekers Project. Through refurbished bikes, Personalised Travel Plans and collaboration with the Department for Work and Pensions and local partners, the project removed transport barriers, increased travel confidence and enabled more independent, active journeys.
Cycling as an adult was entirely new for Georgina. With support from the project, she received a bike and training which made her everyday journeys significantly easier. Credit: Jesille Ecat
When travel is no longer a barrier
Before receiving her bike, Georgina’s travel options were limited. Walking to college took nearly an hour, and short errands involved weighing up time or the cost of bus fares.
With a bike, everyday journeys became significantly easier.
Commissioned by Nottingham City Council, the Nottingham Jobseekers Project together with Women in Tandem provides travel support for residents looking for work or managing zero-hours contracts.
Through refurbished bikes, Personal Travel Plans and collaboration with the Department for Work and Pensions and local partners, the project enables people to access interviews and training without travel holding them back.
In Autumn 2025, the project set a clear aim: increasing participation among women and non-binary residents.
How cycling changed Georgina's everyday life
Three dedicated bike giveaway sessions created a safe and welcoming environment for people often underrepresented in cycling schemes.
Georgina was one of the participants who received a bike to help make her everyday journeys easier.
Cycling as an adult was entirely new for Georgina. Growing up in Honduras, riding a bike wasn’t considered safe.
Her first ride into Nottingham felt intimidating, but completing the journey shifted her perspective.
“I got to the college, and it gave me the confidence because I saw that I was okay", she says.
The shift from bus travel to cycling has also improved her energy levels. She says: “Now there’s no pain and tiredness because I’m more active.”
Cycling has not only given Georgina a vital option to get around — it has increased her confidence, independence and ability to access opportunities.
Together we change how our communities travel, helping people to walk, wheel and cycle for more of their everyday journeys
We’re market-leading experts in designing and delivering behaviour change and engagement solutions which create happier lives and healthier places for everyone.
We help to change behaviours, outlook and expectations of local communities through our active journey offer across the UK.
We make it easier to walk, wheel and cycle by creating healthy, sociable, accessible and inspiring places with and for communities.
Working together with local councils, communities and businesses we create change that works for everyone.
A new way to travel for Irene
When Irene first joined the project, she did not know how to ride a bike.
Through structured support and encouragement, Irene has progressed from complete beginner to a confident rider — a transition she describes as life changing.
Following the bike giveaway, she received a Personalised Travel Plan to support her commute to her workplace.
This included 1:1 led rides to help her practice the route safely and build road confidence.
Cycling is now embedded in her daily routine and has fundamentally reshaped how she travels around the city.
It enables her to reach places more efficiently and independently.
Cycling has fundamentally reshaped how Irene structures her day and travels around the city, enabling her to reach places more efficiently and independently. Credit: Jesille Ecat
More than a bike: A pathway to wellbeing and mobility
Irene arrived in the UK in the Winter. She found the shorter days and reduced sunlight challenging.
Starting to cycle has played a major role in maintaining her mental wellbeing; boosting her mood and providing structure during the winter period.
In addition to better physical and mental health, cycling has also strengthened Irene’s sense of belonging.
She recently completed a 13.5 mile round-trip group ride to Ruddington Village with Women in Tandem and continues to attend their workshops and events.
As a MSc Psychological Wellbeing and Mental Health student, Irene has developed a growing interest in the relationship between cycling, social prescribing, and wellbeing.
She continues to actively promote cycling within her peer group, and is keen to explore the relationship between cycling, social prescribing, and well-being further.
Cycling has supported Irene's physical and mental health, and also strengthened her sense of belonging. Credit: Jesille Ecat
The lasting impact of travel support
Before participants received their bikes through the project, travel options were limited and short errands involved weighing up time or the cost of bus fares.
With a bike and dedicated cycle training, everyday journeys became significantly easier.
Having confidence and access to a bike, created opportunities for work and study and improved mental and physical wellbeing.
Travelling actively now enables participants to reach places efficiently, independently and makes attending interviews and work training more manageable.
Partner with us to create more change like this
Walk Wheel Cycle Trust works with partners like you to change how our communities travel, helping people to walk, wheel and cycle for more of their everyday journeys.
Together, we’re helping transform towns and cities into healthier, greener places that benefit communities and empower change.
Our active journeys offer delivers a tailored package of interventions based on the specific needs of your local area.
When we change how we travel, we change everything. Our health. Our wellbeing. Our world.
