Great news as the free bikes for jobseekers project has been extended until spring 2027 thanks to funding from the Active Travel Capability Fund. Nottingham City Council, in partnership with the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, can continue to help jobseekers in Nottingham.

The Nottingham Jobseekers Project provides travel support for residents looking for work or managing zero-hours contracts. Through free refurbished bikes, personal travel plans and collaboration with local partners, the project enables people to access interviews and training without travel holding them back.

Since the project began in 2025:

• 36 jobseeker events have taken place
• 191 jobseekers have been supported
• 103 refurbished bikes have been given to jobseekers
• 140 personal travel plans have been created

Over 40% of jobseekers say they now walk more, and over 60% say they now cycle more. Moving forward, the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust plan on delivering more women-only sessions and Dr Bike sessions as part of the project.

Case study – How cycling has helped Georgina

Georgina’s experience from one of the first sessions shows how impactful the project has been. 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. She combines bike and train for longer trips. This has made attending interviews more manageable.

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.” Cycling has also created opportunities for family time. Her 11-year-old son taught her how to change gears, and they practiced local routes until she felt more comfortable riding on the road.

Now, Georgina and her sons frequently ride along the canal, explore local parks and enjoy everyday trips together. This has helped with supporting confidence and encouraging independence for her children. In addition to this, the shift from bus travel to cycling has improved her energy levels: “Now there’s no pain or tiredness because I’m more active.”

Georgina’s experience demonstrates the value of an inclusive, supportive approach to active travel: one that builds confidence, reduces barriers and makes it possible for more people to move freely across the city.