CYCLE42

Shortly after we acquired the site at 42 Station Road, we set about researching the needs of the local area through proactive community engagement with ward councillors, community groups and charities.

Having identified a strong local appetite for cycling and active travel, we engaged in extensive on-site activation and transformed the disused building into a thriving hub of community activities named ‘CYCLE42’. CYCLE42 is defined by shared values of cycling, up-cycling and recycling, and tailored to serve the specific needs of Merton.

A number of local charities now call CYCLE42 their home, working closely together beneath a mural painted by a local artist, celebrating diversity and inclusion. The Bike Project provides refugees and asylum seekers with free up-cycled bikes and training. Dons Local Action Group tackles furniture poverty. Community Champions organise fundraising and donations for those in need. Care4Calais supports asylum seekers and refugees with weekly food banks. Every week, CYCLE42 hosts furniture deliveries, charitable donations, bike sales and repairs, community events, training, apprenticeships and more.

Faced with another lockdown in early 2021, we seized the opportunity to support key workers in Merton with CYCLE42 and reward their invaluable service. In March 2021, we founded an innovative cross-sector collaboration with Clarion Housing Group and Brompton Bike Hire, launching a 12-month programme offering Merton residents 3 months free hire of a Brompton bike.

CYCLE42 is an example of different groups, charities, organisations and stakeholders coming together under one roof to create tangible, long-term social impact.