Meet the Manchester Bike Kitchen – residents who are pedalling for positive change

Manchester is not a city you’d typically associate with cycling.

However, that could be about to change.

Despite Manchester having a bit of a reputation for its bustling urban life and traffic congestion, a remarkable initiative is quietly getting people to change their travelling habits one pedal at a time.

The Manchester Bike Kitchen, founded by Andy Hilton and his dedicated team in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, has emerged to help change travelling habits within the community.

This is their story—a tale of compassion, community, and a commitment to two wheels.

Spokes of Compassion

Andy Hilton, one of the directors of the Manchester Bike Kitchen, found himself facing an unexpected twist in his life during the pandemic.

After his involvement in local football development for years, he was furloughed from his job—a situation many can relate to.

It was during this period of uncertainty that Andy discovered his passion for cycling and desire to make a change.

As Andy recalls, “I started riding a bike to keep fit since running was no longer an option due to a hip issue from years of playing football.

“My wife is a teacher and my son was drafted in to the NHS as a paramedic to help out, so i felt at a bit of a loose end.

“Where we live, there’s quite a few professionals who commute to their jobs and one asked me to help fix their bike, so I did.

“Little did I know that would set us out on this journey.”

Driven by this newfound passion, Andy began offering bicycle repair services to his neighbours.

The pandemic had disrupted lives in unimaginable ways, and many were relying on their bikes for essential travel.

Repairing these bicycles became Andy’s way of giving back to the community.

Birth of a Community Hub

Word quickly spread about their bicycle repair service, and people from all walks of life started seeking his assistance.

Recognising a significant gap in the market for accessible and affordable bike repairs, Andy joined forces with two friends who he had known for decades.

Andy said: “We initially began with a pop-up bike repair event at Stratford Arndale on a Sunday. It started as a one-time thing but quickly gained traction in the community. Eventually, we moved to Sale and set up a successful pop-up shop there. That’s when Tameside Council got wind of what we were doing.

They approached us and offered their support to use a disused shop in Clarendon Square Mall in Hyde. We’ve been operating from there on Wednesdays and Saturdays since then. Currently, we’re in discussions with Insure to potentially set up something similar with Insure Forum.

Together, they laid the foundation for what would become the Manchester Bike Kitchen.

Andy shares his motivation, saying, “We saw merit in helping people out so just got stuck in The pandemic has left many feeling isolated and uncertain.

“We wanted to create a space where people could come together, support one another, and find a shared love for cycling.”

Beyond Repairs: A Commitment to Community

The Manchester Bike Kitchen operates as a community interest company, reflecting their dedication to working within and for the communities they serve.

Their mission extends far beyond merely fixing bikes; they aim to foster a sense of community and social value.

Andy said: “After COVID, many people found themselves in situations where they were more susceptible to social isolation, feeling unsafe to venture out.

“We recognised this need for connection, so we created a session where people could come and simply have a chat with us.

“We set up a space, and what was heartening was that people would just walk in and start talking.

“We’d offer them a cup of tea, and they’d often stay a while, whether they wanted to fix a bike or not. It was just a nice way to have people come in and engage with us.

Here, participants can enjoy a cup of tea and engage in warm conversations, alleviating the loneliness that often plagues older citizens.

“We recognised that post-COVID, many older individuals were hesitant to leave their homes.

“They felt isolated and disconnected. ‘Tea and Tinker’ provided them with a reason to step out, share stories, and connect with others,” Andy reports.

The Manchester Bike Kitchen is equally committed to engaging with younger generations.

Their “Puncture Parts” initiative, for instance, focuses on teaching kids bike repair skills.

By providing an alternative to antisocial behaviour, they empower young individuals to develop new skills and a sense of responsibility.

They have also partnered with Salford Council to provide bike repair sessions for young people.

Through these sessions, participants learn how to fix their bikes, and the bike they work on becomes their own—a source of pride and empowerment.

Promoting Sustainability Through Recycling

What sets the Manchester Bike Kitchen apart is its dedication to environmental sustainability.

They prioritise salvaging and repurposing bike parts whenever possible, reducing their impact on the environment and the supply chain.

By repairing bikes and selling them at lower costs, they make cycling accessible to those who may not be able to afford a brand-new bicycle.

Andy explains their approach: “We are very conscious of our impact on the environment. By refurbishing bikes and making them available at affordable prices, we not only promote cycling but also minimize waste.

“It’s our way of contributing to a greener future.”

In a world where the cost of living continues to rise, the Manchester Bike Kitchen’s commitment to affordability and community support is truly awesome.

Their story is a testament to the power of a simple idea born out of kindness and the incredible impact it can have on a community.

Creating a Vibrant Cycling Community

As the Manchester Bike Kitchen continues to grow and make a positive mark on Manchester’s landscape, it’s clear that their tireless dedication to cycling, community, and sustainability will continue to inspire many more to hop on their bikes and join the journey.

Andy continued: “We offer training sessions for individuals to learn how to fix and maintain their own bikes.

“These sessions are open to everyone and are designed to empower people with bike repair skills.

“Our programs have seen a diverse group of people attend, reflecting the wide range of services we provide. We strive to cover all aspects of bike-related activities.

“Our work primarily focuses on areas like Hyde and Wythenshawe, which often face economic challenges.

“We recognise that many people in these areas need affordable transportation options, and local councils encourage active modes of transport like walking and cycling.

“However, the cost of new bikes has significantly increased post-pandemic, making quality bicycles less accessible. Before COVID, a decent bike would cost around £350, but now, the same quality bike can set you back about £470 due to the use of cheaper components by manufacturers to meet increased demand.

“I think that’s why it’s been so popular, we offer great, safe second-hand bikes at great prices. Anything that encourages people to take cars off the road, can’t be a bad thing, can it?”

The streets of Manchester are gradually transforming into a haven for cyclists, thanks to the efforts of Andy Hilton and the Manchester Bike Kitchen team.

What began as a humble initiative to mend broken bikes has evolved into an exciting cycling community, one that embraces people of all ages and backgrounds.

Andy reflects on the journey so far, stating, “Our goal is to create a more connected community, one where cycling isn’t just a means of transport but a way of life. We believe that by fostering a love for cycling and creating a strong support system, we can make our city a better place to live.”

With each pedal stroke, the Manchester Bike Kitchen is paving the way for a brighter and more inclusive future—one where compassion, community, and a shared love for cycling take centre stage.

You can find out more about Manchester Bike Kitchen here