Learning to ride as an adult can be life changing. This is Intisar’s story.

Intisar, originally from Sudan, worked incredibly hard with Chris to learn to ride a bike, starting as a complete beginner. It took time, patience and determination, but eventually she got it — and once she had that confidence, she was keen to have a bike of her own.

Storage and security are a real challenge for Intisar, so we felt a folding bike would be the best option. We reached out to Bikes for Refugees, but unfortunately they didn’t have a suitable folding bike available at the time.

Chris managed to source one and, very generously, gifted it to Intisar. The folding bike means she can safely store it in her room within her hostel. We also provided her with a brand-new helmet and lock.

This has genuinely changed Intisar’s life. Having her own bike gives her the freedom to travel and commute across Edinburgh independently, but it has also given her something equally important — confidence.

For Intisar, being able to get around the city under her own steam is a huge step towards independence, connection and feeling more at home in her community.

This is exactly why we believe cycling can be about so much more than simply learning to ride a bike.