Impact of bicycle provision on the health of refugees in London: a qualitative study

Abstract

BackgroundRefugees are a growing population in London and experience barriers to regular meaningful exercise. Research shows that cycling as a form of exercise is often overlooked by minority ethnic groups. In London, UK, The Bike Project is a charity that reconditions bicycles, donates them to refugees, and offers cycle proficiency training. This study aimed to explore the impact of being provided with a free bicycle and involvement with the charity on the wellbeing of refugees in London. MethodsThis qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews, was carried out in the charity's community space in London. Ten adults (seven men and three women) were recruited through word of mouth at evening sessions run by the charity. Participants originated from various African, Asian, and Middle Eastern countries, which was representative of the wider service user population. To be included, participants had to be a UK-dwelling adult refugee and a service user of the charity. All interviews were done one-to-one and face-to-face using a semi-structured topic guide; they were sound recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study was approved by the Faculty Research Ethics Committee, Kingston University. Participants provided written informed consent and all data were anonymised. FindingsTwo interviews were excluded from analysis because of a considerable language barrier so that dialogue was insufficiently clear to draw meaning. Four key themes were identified: improved health, financial impact, charitable support, and safety awareness. Interviewees reported that free provision of a bicycle allowed them opportunities of free transport around their community, in turn facilitating improved access to education and work, while also allowing them to exercise. Involvement with The Bike Project also provided opportunities to develop meaningful and supportive relationships. InterpretationThis study suggests that provision of a free bicycle can benefit the refugee population. By facilitating active travel, cycling can empower this often-excluded group to feel more able to exercise and report improvements to their physical and mental health, and thus may have a wider impact on social inclusion of this vulnerable group and their use of health and social care resources. FundingNone.