BIKES for BETTER FUTURES

If you’re reading this, there’s a pretty good chance bikes have changed your life, probably in more ways than one. Whilst people reading this are more likely to feel passionate about the many benefits cycling can bring, within wider society the humble bicycle may not be considered as highly as a vehicle for change.

Two organisations that are using bicycles to truly change the world are Australian based charity Lighthouse Youth Projects, and global charity World Bicycle Relief. Whilst they’re going about it in different ways, both of these organisations are changing people’s lives through bikes.

Lighthouse Youth Projects (LYP) began in 2013. LYP’s founders Jamie Moore and Ryan Lloyd wanted to use their combined cycling and industry experience in a way that benefited others. In the years since, LYP have developed and implemented a number of programs aimed at using bikes as a tool for positive change.

Jackie Schapel is one of LYP’s mentors as well as their Marketing Manager, and she says their programs are using bikes to change lives by giving at-risk youths a positive outlet.

‘The core belief of Lighthouse is to work with at-risk youth and help them create positive change in their own lives,’ says Jackie.

In LYP’s mission to help at-risk youth, the bicycle is used as a tool, be that through riding bikes, fixing bikes, or using bikes as an avenue to really connect with someone. LYP works with over 100 at-risk youth in both South Australia and Tasmania.

LYP delivers a diverse range of programs and workshops. Some focus on structured learning, others on pre-employment activities. They also work with young people who are on remand or in youth detention, these sessions focus on incorporating