The importance of cycle infrastructure in helping residents rebuild independence

In 2018, Social Bite - a charity working to tackle the poverty and homelessness crisis in the UK - built its first village in Edinburgh to provide supported accommodation for people faced with homelessness.

This introduced a pioneering new support model to the UK by creating a site of modular homes complete with community hub, outdoor spaces and cycling opportunities to help residents rebuild their lives. After 100 people have successfully lived at the village, it’s no surprise that the village has now relocated to an improved site at Granton Waterfront to help more people.

Our VeloBoxes were installed at the original Edinburgh Village and played an important role in promoting independence and wellbeing within the village. Now nearly eight years on, our team returned to the flagship site to help relocate the units to Granton Waterfront to continue the legacy of impact for residents.

We caught up with Social Bite’s Senior Communications Manager, Amy Brewer, and Operations Coordinator Alex Rigby to hear more about the move and to uncover the importance of cycling for the village community. 

Tell us about the relocation and how did the Grease Monkey team support?

Amy: “Moving the Social Bite Village from its original location to its new home further along Granton Waterfront was a huge logistical undertaking that was years in the planning and took months to achieve. It wasn’t just the 10 houses which were brought to the new site to be installed alongside six new houses and a new Community Hub building - we moved plants, trees and outdoor equipment like the cycle stores too. 

“We wanted to minimise the disruption for Village residents by completing the move as quickly as possible and ensuring when they moved back in, all the familiar elements of the previous village site were there.”

Alex: “We’re extremely grateful to Tayeeb and the team at Grease Monkey for their help in relocating the cycle stores during the move of the Edinburgh Social Bite Village.

“There were many logistics to coordinate and the details were important to get right. The Grease Monkey team were understanding, easy to work with and generous with their time and expertise. Their help means that when residents move back into the village, they’ll immediately be able to pick up where they left off, enjoying community bike rides and low carbon transport around the city.”

What role do the onsite VeloBoxes play for residents at Edinburgh Village?

Amy: “Social Bite Village residents really enjoy their weekly cycles along the Granton Waterfront, out to Cramond, and to other spots around Edinburgh. They also use the electric bikes to travel to catch-ups with friends and family, for shopping, cinema trips and job interviews. Cycling is good for their health, the environment and it lowers costs compared to taking public transport.

“Bikes are so valuable to the community, they need somewhere secure but easily accessible to keep them. Having the three bike stores tucked in next to the main Community Hub building helps keep the village site tidy and the bikes safe.”

How important is having the right cycling infrastructure in place to unlock travel independence for residents? 

Amy: “A safe home is the foundation of breaking the cycle of homelessness, but the opportunities around it are what help people truly find independence and move on.

“Activities like cycling give residents the chance to improve their wellbeing, build confidence at their own pace, and connect with others in a relaxed, supportive environment. Those moments of community can be just as important as practical support in helping people feel settled, valued and ready to take the next step.”

Relocating the village was more than preserving buildings, it was about protecting the facilities and community that help residents build confidence and independence. By supporting the move of the cycle stores, our team helped ensure cycling could remain part of everyday life, with minimal disruption for the people who rely on it.

Whether it's making it easier to travel to work, visit friends or enjoy a weekly cycle ride, good cycle infrastructure helps remove barriers to everyday life. That's why we're proud to support projects that put communities first.