How Cycling Helped Waleed Build a New Life in Halifax
5 October 2026
St Augustine’s Bike Kitchen Case Study
For Waleed, cycling has become an important part of life since arriving in Halifax. Originally from Duhok in Iraqi Kurdistan, he first visited St Augustine’s Centre in December 2024 and soon discovered the Bike Kitchen.
Through the Bike Kitchen’s loan scheme, Waleed borrowed different bikes, developed his cycle maintenance skills and built friendships with volunteers and fellow cyclists. Each bike helped him stay active, explore Halifax and become more confident getting around independently.
Eventually, Waleed was given a bike of his own – a Muddy Fox donated by Ruth Bowen. The bike had already travelled across the world before beginning its next chapter with Waleed.
“When I ride a bike, it reminds me of being a child again. It reminds me of freedom.”
— Waleed
The Bike Kitchen is about much more than bicycles. It is a place to share skills, build friendships and be part of the wider community. Waleed now regularly helps in the workshop, joins group rides, supports community meals and volunteers with the Centre’s cleaning team.
Read the full case study below to discover more about Waleed’s journey, the story behind his bike and the community that helped give it a new chapter.