On yer bike Santa!

Refugee children in Bradford got their Christmas presents yesterday – courtesy of Santa and his helpers arriving by e-cargo bike!

When we heard that Refugee Action were having difficulty getting their seasonal gifts out to families in need, we offered the use of Carla the e-cargo trailer, provided by WYCA and Bradford Council as a sleigh.

The electric bike trailer is one of a couple of electric cargo options that Capital of Cycling are managing on behalf of Bradford Council. They will be used for community organisations to help them meet need in the community in a low-cost and sustainable way.

Refugee Action usually distribute Christmas gifts at their family Christmas party, but due to COVID-19, this isn’t happening this year. Rather than someone needing to drive the parcels to the families in need, Capital of Cycling offered this air-pollution free alternative.

Christy Bischoff, from Refugee Action, says “We are excited to be working with Capital of Cycling to help get out Christmas presents to  families seeking asylum in Bradford,  for many of  whom this will be their first Christmas in the UK and away from any family.     We have been  not been able to have our usual Christmas celebrations and this is a really fun and climate friendly way to bring a bit of cheer to the families we support as well as anyone else who sees the Christmas bike riding around Bradford.”

Dave Robison from Capital of Cycling says “Although I’m not quite as fat as Santa, I have put on a bit of weight over lockdown which should look good with a Santa Outfit, on a bike.  The artist and Cycle instructor Tim Curtis of Tim Curtis Arts has kindly loaned us a reindeer head which lights up and we’re going to stick it on the front of the bike.  We need to do something to cheer ourselves up this year and I can’t think of a better way than cycling round Bradford dropping off presents on behalf of the fantastic Bradford Action for Refugees.  Bradford is a welcoming place and a City of Sanctuary, something we’re very proud to be a part of.”

To find out more about the cargo bikes keep an eye on the website for updates in the New Year, or contact info@capitalofcycling.org