Our Story
Seiclo Dyfi is a non-profit Community Interest Company with the goal of making cycling safer and more accessible in Mid-Wales.
The project began to take shape in 2010 when a group of local cycling enthusiasts and bike lovers living in and around Machynlleth identified the community’s need for better provision for local cyclists.
Initially a bike stand was set up at the weekly Machynlleth market, where people could bring their bikes along to have problems diagnosed, small repairs made, and knowledge passed on. At local community events volunteers would bring decorated bikes for children to ride, and set up a stand with tools to teach people about how to look after and maintain their bike. After a few successful events we conducted a survey and the desire for a future community bike hub became clear.
In 2015, with the help of the community, local councillors and the Owain Glyndwr Institute (OGI), we opened a small premises to serve as a workshop. Tools and further bicycle stands were acquired through a grant, and working with other cycling organisations. The workshop at the OGI became our first community hub where bikes and parts could be brought to be upcycled. We set up an account with a supplier for cables, brake pads, chains and other replaceable parts and helped many bikes back onto the road.
The OGI hub has been going strong since then, with lots of people in the community and the occasional backpacker benefiting from our volunteer-run service. We’ve loved building a treasured community resource and have built up a library of specialist tools, shared knowledge, spare parts, and most importantly, a love of bikes!
In 2021 we received a National Lottery ‘Awards for all’ grant, which we used to run training courses, buy a much needed gazebo (it sometimes rains in Wales), and to purchase e-bike conversion kits.
In 2023 we were offered a shop premises in the centre of Machynlleth and became a community interest company (CIC). In th summer of 2024 we opened our non-profit community-focused cycle hub and are excited about furthering our aims to promote cycling as a viable mode of transport locally, as well as for enjoyment, health and wellbeing.
“Rydyn ni’n falch o gefnogi prosiectau fel Seiclo Dyfi sy’n mynd i’r afael ag anghenion cymunedol a chyfrifoldeb amgylcheddol, dau beth sy’n greiddiol i’n gwerthoedd yng Nghronfa Gymunedol y Loteri Genedlaethol.
Wrth dderbyn grant Arian i Bawb gwerth £18,500, nid yn unig y bydd Seiclo Dyfi yn darparu gwasanaethau hanfodol fel atgyweiriadau beic fforddiadwy a llogi beiciau, byddent hefyd yn meithrin diwylliant cynaliadwy a chynhwysol trwy uwchraddio beiciau a chynnig gweithdai am ddim.
Mae’n wych i weld y Loteri Genedlaethol yn cefnogi prosiect ymarferol sy’n cael effaith ac sydd o fudd gwirioneddol i’r gymuned leol ac i’r amgylchedd.”
"We're proud to support projects such as Seiclo Dyfi that are addressing both community needs and environmental responsibility, both of which are integral to our values at the National Lottery Community Fund.
Receiving a £18,500 Awards for All grant, Seiclo Dyfi will not only be providing essential services like affordable bike repairs and hire, but they also foster a sustainable and inclusive culture through upcycled bikes and free workshops.
It's wonderful to see The National Lottery supporting a practical and impactful project that truly benefits the local community and the environment.”
John Rose, Director National Lottery Community Fund.
