Everyday Cycling Heroes: Andrew
Andrew was a keen cyclist when we met him, commuting to work by bicycle and using his bike to travel and tour.
He joined us as a volunteer in 2019, and was with us for over a year. With a basic level of cycle mechanical skills, Andrew had previously volunteered within his community, but only ever with adults.
During his time at Bike for Good we supported him through a City & Guilds Cycle Mechanics Course, and he continued develop his skills through volunteering at Fix Your Own Bike and Dr Bike sessions. He proved a hit at our South Community Hub weekly Kids Club, too! Eventually we were delighted to offer Andrew sessional work employment, after watching his progression.
Andrew told us:
“I recognised it [volunteering] as an important way to feel part of a bigger community of people. Volunteering at Bike for Good has allowed me to meet people who share a similar love for cycling and the overall benefits to health and wellbeing it can bring. I was able to engage with members of the public across all backgrounds and promote how cycling can create common ground within the wider community. Volunteering allowed me to develop confidence in learning new skills and passing this information on to others.”
A lovely Dr Bike review we received thanks to Andrew, on Facebook
Skills and Development Coordinator Hannah said:
“Andrew started as a keen volunteer with some basic bike maintenance knowledge. Over the past two years, Andrew has supported many aspects of the Bike for Good South Community Hub, including Kids Club, community events, and our pop up mechanic Dr Bikes; as well as helping to maintain our own fleet of bikes. Throughout this period, Andrew’s skills in bike maintenance have greatly increased. He attended a formal bike mechanic training through Bike for Good and has been able to progress to a point where he is working as a paid mechanic on a freelance basis for the organisation. We have loved having him.”
Andrew has now moved to Southampton, and we miss him dearly! We were glad to hear that he has continued to volunteer at another community bike organisation down South.