Move for Change

In 2026, Brighton & Hove City Council was awarded nearly £288,200 in government funding. 

This money was awarded so we could continue our work to: 

• encourage active travel 
• provide better walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure for people in Brighton & Hove 

This will help people: 

• save money on transport 
• improve their health 
• reduce their carbon footprint 

The money will be used to support various active travel projects throughout the city. 

View the Capability & Ambition Fund 2025 map to see the current project area we're working on.

Find out more about walking in Brighton & Hove

Cycle training for adults

Find out more about adult cycle training courses.

Sign up for a cycle training course

Book a course

Cycle training for children and young people

Find out more about cycle training for children and young people.

Find out about Dr Bike, our council-funded bicycle servicing initiative.

Find different types of cycling organisations throughout Brighton & Hove with our cycling organisation directory.

Project summary 

Cycling for Social Prescribing is a partnership project between Brighton & Hove City Council, Brighton Bike Hub, GP practices, and community support organisations. The project uses cycling as a preventative health intervention, providing free cycle training, guided rides and confidence-building. The sessions are for adults referred through social prescribing pathways. 

The initiative aims to improve physical and mental wellbeing, reduce social isolation and increase confidence in active travel. It will also enable more residents to choose cycling for everyday journeys. The project supports residents who are new to cycling, returning after a break, or lacking confidence to cycle independently. 

Objectives 

The objectives of this project are to: 

• encourage active travel and increased cycling participation
• improve physical and mental health outcomes
• support behaviour change towards sustainable transport 
• reduce transport inequalities by providing free access to bikes, helmets and training
• build confidence to use existing cycling infrastructure 
• support carbon reduction through modal shift from car journeys to cycling

Target audience 

The primary audiences are:

• adults referred through GP surgeries
• social prescribing charities and link workers
• individuals experiencing mild to moderate mental health challenges 
• residents experiencing loneliness or social isolation
• people managing long-term health conditions
• inactive adults looking to improve health and wellbeing 
• residents lacking confidence to cycle independently 

The secondary audiences are: 

• community support organisations
• NHS and Public Health partners
• local employers and workplace wellbeing programmes

Project activities 

1. Social prescribing referral pathway: 

• develop referral process with GP practices and social prescribing teams 
• promote cycling as a recognised wellbeing intervention 
• create simple referral and feedback systems 

2. Confidence building cycle sessions 

• one-to-one and small group cycle training
• learn-to-ride and return-to-cycling sessions
• on-road confidence development 

3. Guided wellbeing rides:

• regular led rides on safe and accessible routes
• peer-support and social interaction opportunities
• focus on enjoyment rather than performance

4. Access to equipment:

• free bike and helmet provision during sessions 
• advice on affordable cycle ownership and maintenance 
• signposting to local cycling support schemes

5. Progression into everyday cycling:

• support participants to cycle for local journeys
• connections to workplace cycling initiatives
• links into existing community cycling groups and events

Outcomes 

The health outcomes are:

• improved physical activity levels
• improved mental wellbeing
• increased confidence and self-esteem
• reduced feelings of loneliness and isolation

The transport outcomes are:

• increased cycling participation
• greater confidence using local cycling routes
• more cycling trips for everyday journeys
• reduced reliance on private car travel

The environmental outcomes are:

• lower transport-related carbon emissions
• increased awareness of sustainable travel options

Delivery partners 

The delivery partners are:

• Brighton & Hove City Council 
• Brighton Bike Hub 
• NHS Primary Care Networks 
• Social Prescribing Charities and Link Workers 
• Public Health teams 
• Community and voluntary sector organisations

Assets

View and download a digital image, poster and leaflet for the Cycling for Social Prescribing project.

Find out how we're keeping children safe on their journeys to and from school.

Find out why we encourage children to walk to school and information on Walk to School Week.

Active travel story from a car-free family with a toddler and dog

Household description

The household includes

• 2 adults with injuries/condition that make walking up/down Elm Grove and Hannover quite painful
• 1 toddler (walking)
• 1 dog

Ranking of travel modes for transport through their toddler’s eyes

Travel modes are ranked in order of use as a car-free family (mom’s scores in brackets, based on cost, convenience and general enjoyment).

E-bike with child seat - 10/10 (10/10)

"Zoom! Downhill rides are the pinnacle of human achievement. The wind in my face is so exhilarating that spontaneous singing is unavoidable. I also thoroughly enjoy waving to fellow cyclists when we’re stopped at junctions."

Bus - 3/10 (8/10)

"Why must I stay in my seat? Very frustrating. The experience is somewhat redeemed by opportunities to spot dogs, babies and other fascinating passengers. Still, more roaming rights are urgently required."

Walking - 10/10 (3/10)

Stroller - 4/10 (6/10)

"Walking is magnificent. Every leaf and pebble deserves thorough investigation. Why travel directly when you can zig-zag? The stroller, meanwhile, is an insult to my independence. However, it does occasionally provide snacks and, after sufficient protesting, a surprisingly comfortable place to lounge. Hence the generous 4 stars."

Trains - 8/10 (7/10)

"Superb form of travel, on which I graciously hold court up and down the coaches when I’m not enjoying lunch promptly provided by my subjects."

Taxi - 3/10 (5/10)

Car club - 2/10 (3/10)

"I would like a word with whoever designs child car seats. In fact, I would like several unintelligible words. 3 points for car snacks; -1 point for grumpy parents when forced to drive themselves."

Active travel story 2: 'Why We Still Don't Own a Car'

Having lived in central Brighton for the past 12 years, my partner and I have never felt the need to own a car, as everything has been within walking distance of our home. I used my bike to get to my allotment in Hove and to places that were a little too far to walk. It wasn't long, though, before I became interested in e-bikes, as the hills of Brighton & Hove proved challenging during the winter months.  

Switching to an e-bike was life-changing. The main reason was to get to the office in Hollingdean without arriving breathless and sweaty after cycling up the steep Ditchling Rise.  

We were never tempted to get a car and instead used the Enterprise Car Club whenever we needed to get out of town or transport larger items. Even now, with a five-year-old in the mix, we continue to enjoy a car-free lifestyle. We walk to and from school or use our cargo bike, and on some days my daughter rides ahead of me on her own bike. We love walking everywhere we can, but for children's parties at Monkey Bizness or day trips to Drusillas, we still borrow an Enterprise car and resist any temptation to own one ourselves! 

Find out more about Enterprise Car Club.

Discount on annual bus pass

Join Wave Community Bank and get 20% off B&H Buses' annual bus pass.

We’re aware of the impact travel and transport has on our city. For this reason, we need workplaces and organisations to play their part in reducing carbon emissions specifically from the daily commute and business travel.

Find out how to make a Travel Plan.

Funding for eCargo bikes and the subsidy are no longer available; however, we can:

• offer impartial, expert advice and guidance on choosing the right eCargo bikes for your business needs
• advise on sustainable deliveries for local businesses

Find more information on our eCargo bike accelerator webpage.

Walking stories

Testimony from Clarice (not their real name), a member of the “Clare Project”, a charity providing support to the Trans, Non-binary and Intersex communities in Brighton & Hove. 

Clarice is a trans community member in her 60s, who is living with cancer. 

Despite her physical tiredness and pain, she attended 4 of the 5 walks, saying that the activity helped to take her mind off her health worries, and that she enjoyed the chance to talk with staff and other community members. 

She is going into surgery next week but already said she wanted to sign up for autumn walks!  

Testimony from Jane, parent of a child attending Dolphin Pre-school. Jane took part in the 3-month walking challenge in spring 2025:

“I decided to take part in the walking challenge to challenge myself and see how many steps I could walk each day. I was walking or using the car to get to work, before the challenge. I walk every day to work now. I walk whenever I can, to be active and exercise and save money on petrol. 

The benefits I've felt have been feeling more energetic and fitter and inspiring myself to want to walk more. Sometimes, the weather can be a barrier especially the wind and rain. 

I intend to carry on walking to work and home and whenever I can. It feels a great achievement reaching my goal steps. I've enjoyed the challenge and will continue to use the app to count steps. Many thanks!”

Testimony from Lemya, who has been taking part in walks organised by “We are the Tree”, which supports displaced refugees and migrants:

“I am 47-year-old single mother, who have been evacuated from Sudan after war has started there in 2023.  

As my husband is unable to join us yet, I found myself lonely, overwhelming with the responsibilities of raising three children in my own, one of them is a neurodivergent person. I have experiencing prolonged period of loneliness and low mood.  I felt isolated and lacking motivation to do anything for myself. In fact, I have very limited social support except from We Are The Tree CIC group. As the result I completely neglected myself. And my mental health deteriorated. 

After hearing about the weekly Walking and Talking therapy group, I decided to give it a try. The programme involved guided group walks combined with informal therapeutic conversations and peer support, fun activities and physical whole-body exercise  

During the first few sessions, I was quiet and hesitant to share my mental health experiences. However, being outdoors in a relaxed supportive environment helped me feel more comfortable. The gentle physical activity and supportive atmosphere allowed me to begin opening up about the challenges I face as a single parent and the impact of loneliness on my wellbeing. 

As the weeks progressed, I became more engaged with the group. I have formed connections with other women, who support me and we become friends now 

Now I feel more positive about my life and myself, I feel more confident and feel I have more energy to do my daily activities, improved motivation, and a greater sense of hope. Importantly, I feel less alone and healthier. 

For me, this project provided me with the opportunity to learn about healthy life, realising the importance of daily walking exercises and exploring the beauty of the sea view. It also offers me a space to talk, and an opportunity to rebuild my self-confidence, improve my mental health, and reconnect with others.”  

Testimonies from participants of the Brighton and Hove Staff 4-week Step Up challenge – May 2026:

“The challenge inspired me to get up from the desk and walk throughout the whole day, one step at a time. There was some healthy competition about taking the most steps possible, and I loved it! Not to mention how amazing the whole challenge was for mental and physical health. I do hope we will keep it going throughout the whole year.” 

“It was a great team bonding challenge. It also gave me the motivation to start the Couch to 5K app and make small changes like parking further away.” 

“The challenge motivated me to go back to the gym after two years. It improved my confidence and my strength after my knee operation.” - Zuzan 

“It made me walk to the gym instead of driving there!" - Josephine 

“It’s helped me explore different walking routes.” 

“Walking to work is something I will keep up now.” 

“We started doing lunchtime walks as a team, being so close to nature in Whitehawk. We also enjoyed the competition aspect!” 

“The challenge motivated me to change my walking habits – get off the bus earlier, go walking before work on my work-from-home days. Even though I signed up as an individual, being part of a team kept me motivated. The bonus challenges were good fun too!” - Abigail

Adult Cycle Training 2026 - Feedback comments and testimonials 

May 2026 

"I have learnt so much in 3 sessions. I think the sessions were delivered incredibly well with all the different levels people were at. Has definitely taught me how to ride a bike and the technicalities I need to practice to get better."

"Great tutoring, attentive, helpful guidance."

"Amazing! I came to these sessions not knowing how to ride at all! Now I am riding! I will be coming back to build my confidence! Thank you so much for everything!"

"I am really glad I did the course... particularly helpful to be taught about positioning and how important that is in communicating with drivers."

June 2026

"A fantastic initiative, friendly staff."

"I was pretty nervous about learning to cycle... confidence improve each week. Great value and highly recommended."

"Fantastic course instructors - big thanks to Alan for being so patient."

"I just don't feel stupid not being confident on my bike any more."

"These sessions have been one of the highlights of the year for me."

"Amazing lessons, thank you so much!"

"The sessions were so helpful, I would never have cycled on the road before and now I feel confident enough to cycle to work."

"Before these sessions I was not a road user... confidence to cycle on bike lanes and Brighton roads."

July 2026 

"Fabulous training course. It has really helped me gain more confidence on the bike."

"I had no idea what to expect but I have left feeling so confident and excited to cycle!"

"I had no confidence to get on a bike before, the sessions have been incredible, helped me gain an important life skill!"

"I have had the best time!! I feel so much more confident and cannot wait to cycle more."

"I now have the confidence to cycle on the roads... life changing."

"Fantastic course. Amazing staff. Absolutely fab!"

August 2026 

"Really encouraging, thanks for all your help!"

"Massive thank you to Maria for getting me stable and rolling."

"Really great, patient teachers."

"I am now very proud to call myself a cyclist. Thanks."

"I have had the best time on these sessions!"

"From not cycling at all for 25 years to doing Seven Dials roundabout seems like a lot of progress."

"Incredibly useful sessions and lovely instructors."

"Last year I did not know how to ride a bike. Now I am cycling on the road."

Featured longer testimonials 

"I had not ridden a bike for over 10 years and was very nervous. The training increased my confidence so that I rode on a road for the first time in my life. I would recommend it to anyone, no matter where they are in their cycling journey."

"The tutors were amazing: encouraging, enabling, compassionate and non-judgemental. This course was everything I hoped for and more."

"I went from trying to balance to cycling next to the road. A massive achievement after many years not knowing how to cycle and feeling ashamed about it."

"I came to the sessions not knowing how to ride a bike at all. Now I have my own bike and I am out on the cycle lane. The instructors and volunteers were amazing."

"Whether it is cycling or something else that you have never done or mastered, I can prove it is never too late to try. (Pam Gordon testimonial)"

Brighton & Hove City Council and Beryl BTN Bikes

As part of Beryl BTN Bikes' social value offer to Brighton & Hove City Council, the council was gifted 150 one-hundred-minute free bundles. These free minute bundles are offered to people living in East Brighton and Whitehawk who are jobseekers, on Universal Credit, on student hardship funds and on social prescribing. 

Promoting the Beryl BTN Bikes scheme is part of a programme of projects funded by the Department for Transport’s Capability & Ambition Fund. This case study demonstrates how working with people who are marginalised or have complex needs can benefit from active travel both physically and mentally. 

Transport Planner and cycle instructor, Daniel Bianco, has been engaging with charities, NHS Trusts and Primary Care Networks since December 2024 to promote this fantastic offer to people who’d benefit from it. 

Recently, the charity Together Co, which works with individuals who are lonely or socially isolated, referred Jonathan, via social prescribing, to Daniel to try cycling. Jonathan hadn’t cycled since his teens, so some cycle training really benefited him. 

 Image: Jonathan at Varley Park after his cycle ride.

Jonathan met Daniel at the Level and tried one of the Beryl electric bicycles. He was shown how to use the Beryl App and access the free 100-minute bundle. This offer enables free unlocking, and the 100-minute bundle, once activated, is valid for 12 months. 

Together, Jonathan and Daniel cycled from The Level to Varley Park in Colden. 

This is what Jonathan said after Daniel checked in with him the day after cycling:

“Thanks so much for checking in – and yes, I’m still standing… though I must admit, I felt like John Wayne on my way home yesterday! My legs are absolutely knackered today, but in a good way – I’m definitely feeling the years without proper workouts or routine catching up with me. That said, yesterday’s ride left a lasting impression on me. It was more than just exercise – it was the first time in a long while I’ve truly felt free, like a bird coasting through the cycle lanes of Brighton and Hove.

It genuinely helped shift something in me mentally – to feel the wind on my face, out in the world again, rather than being trapped indoors battling anxiety, depression, and the mental fog of a stressful few years. It’s hard to express how significant that short session was. You gave me more than a cycling lesson – it was a moment of clarity, a reminder of what living can feel like.

I also want to thank you again, and give due credit to Together Co, who got me linked into this through my GP. Honestly, it’s these small-but-powerful interventions that can shift the tide for people like me. I believe initiatives like this should be championed more widely across council services – they’re proactive, empowering, and help people reclaim confidence, health and dignity – especially for those coming from marginalised or complex backgrounds.

Looking forward to the next ride – and thanks again for being part of a much-needed turning point in my life.”

We hope this Beryl BTN Bikes offer will help people in similar circumstances to Jonathan, who live in fringe areas of Brighton & Hove, to access affordable and sustainable transportation.