New scheme to immerse refugees in Swansea culture by bike

A Swansea family are showing refugees and asylum seekers Swansea’s landmarks and services by bike.

The Swansea Bay Rides scheme will give people seeking refuge and asylum in Swansea and further afield the opportunity to tour Swansea by bike.

The ride will take in local castles and historical sites as well as other useful services, as well as giving people who are new to the area an experience of the culture and languages by giving them the chance to meet new people in their area.

The first tour, being held on Saturday 14 May, will include a tour of the library in the civic centre, as well as Oystermouth Castle and an ice cream at Ripples.

Future tours will include the Copperworks, the Swansea.com stadium, Swansea Market and the Gower.

Re-cycle Swansea have agreed to loan bikes to participants as part of their scheme, where refugees are given a bike to keep on completing a day’s bike repair course with them.

The scheme is open to all refugees and asylum seekers who are interested, including those that have recently arrived from Ukraine.

Dr Mike Chick, University of South Wales Refugee Champion said: “This is a fantastic project that enables people seeking asylum in South Wales to immerse themselves in the local culture. I urge all refugees to get involved!”

More information about the scheme is available on the Swansea Bay Rides website.