Village Bicycle Project, Sierra Leone | April 2025
Pedals and Podiums: Supporting Cycling Dreams in Sierra Leone
In Sierra Leone, the bicycle is far more than just a way to get around—it’s a tool for empowerment, opportunity, and community. Through our partnership with the Village Bicycle Project, Re-Cycle is proud to support not only access to transport but also the growth of cycling as a sport and a source of inspiration for young people.
In 2024, Re-Cycle’s Director, Charlotte Ward, attended the 10th annual Tour de Lunsar—the biggest cycling event in Sierra Leone. The atmosphere was electric, with excitement buzzing through the crowds and a strong sense of pride in the sport’s growing presence.
Bikes to Africa
Cycling in Sierra Leone offers young people so much more than recreation. It provides a positive alternative to street life, teaches discipline and teamwork, and gives riders a sense of purpose. It’s also a vital means of transport—opening up access to education, healthcare, and employment.
While soaking in the excitement of the 2024 race, Charlotte noticed something that sparked an idea: the winners’ podium, handcrafted from leftover wood with paper numbers pinned on, looked charming but wasn’t very stable. Eventually the podium collapsed during the celebrations. Fortunately no one was hurt, but it was clear a sturdier solution was needed.
Bikes to Africa
Back in the UK, Re-Cycle volunteers rallied to create something better — a brand-new podium worthy of the riders’ achievements. Welded metal, solid wood, and a custom display board with bold number markers came together to form a strong and celebratory platform for future winners.
The new podium was shipped out ahead of the 2025 Tour de Lunsar (April 24–26), and we’re thrilled to share that it’s currently being used at this year’s race! It went down brilliantly, and we’ve already seen it in action — including in a fantastic photo of the men’s race winners proudly standing on top.
This is just one of the many ways Re-Cycle and our partners are championing the cycling community in Sierra Leone — not just through bikes, but by helping build a future riders can be proud to stand on.
