At Sporting Equals, we are proud to support organisations that are breaking down barriers and creating meaningful opportunities through sport. Black Unity Bike Ride (BUBR) is a powerful community-led movement using cycling to inspire people from Black and ethnically diverse backgrounds to become more active, healthier, and more connected.
With the support of Comic Relief funding, BUBR is strengthening its foundations and preparing for its next stage of growth.
Building Strong Foundations
Since becoming a registered charity in April 2024, BUBR has continued to evolve under the leadership of founder Tokunbo Ajasa Oluwa. Comic Relief funding has helped part-fund a new Head of Operations and Projects role, strengthening programme delivery and supporting sustainable expansion.
The organisation is underpinned by strong governance, working with Social Enterprise UK to oversee its finance function and supported by a trustee board that includes a professional accountant as treasurer. Robust financial systems ensure transparency and accountability as the charity grows.
Evidence Led and Community Driven
BUBR places insight and community voice at the heart of its work. Annual data reports and regular member surveys demonstrate clear impact:
Forty-six percent of participants are women.
Ninety-four percent rate their experience as very positive.
Seventy-seven percent have been inspired to cycle more.
Seventy-three percent report improved health and wellbeing.
This evidence ensures that programmes are shaped by real experiences and deliver measurable change.
Tackling Inequality in Cycling
Cycling remains one of the least diverse sports in the United Kingdom, with seventy five per cent of people from ethnically diverse backgrounds never cycling. BUBR is addressing this imbalance by creating safe, culturally relevant spaces and reducing financial barriers.
Funding has subsidised access to facilities such as the Olympic Velopark in Stratford and support partnerships that make quality cycling kit more affordable.
Empowering Women and Young People
BUBR has made significant progress in increasing female participation, growing from twenty per cent women at its first ride in 2020 to more than forty per cent today. Through development sessions, RideLondon participation, and mentoring initiatives, the organisation continues to build confidence and leadership among Black women and young people.
Plans for expansion include new youth initiatives, a first annual ride in Manchester, and international fundraising tours that promote global connection and cultural exchange.
Creating Long Term Impact
Through a blended income model of grants, sponsorship, merchandise, and donations, BUBR is building for the future. Comic Relief funding is strengthening operational capacity, supporting volunteer development, and helping grow national reach.
At Sporting Equals, we believe that when community organisations are supported to thrive, they create generational change. Investment in Black Unity Bike Ride is an investment in representation, leadership, and a more inclusive future for cycling.
