CyclistLocal heroes: Londons XO Bikes breaking the chainA stones throw from the south bank of the Thames, along the Blackfriars Road, lies an Edwardian building that looks a lot like an old pub. The Sons of Temperance Friendly Society lettering is smartly maintained on the buildings frontage, only now there is a large neon XO sign visible in the window. Thats XO for ex-offender.We give blokes with a past and bikes with a past the chance of a decent future, says XO founder Stef Jones. We operate two soon to be three prison workshops, and a training programme in Lewisham for ex-offenders.XO Bikes is a charitable enterprise that runs training both inside and outside prisons. As Jones puts it, Were a purpose with a business, not a business with a purpose. Every pound of profit is reinvested into wages, running costs or workshop materials.When talking to the graduates of the XO Bike Academy now working at the Blackfriars workshop, one word arises more than any other to describe what the course has given them: structure.Our students learn a trade, build up experience and potentially get a job, and we will encourage them to move onwards in the industry, says Jones. We try to give them the belief that they can succeed at something and have a sense of belonging in society. Thats often something these guys wont have had.A new pathXO Bikes has a strong relationship with the justice system and the police. And what have the police got? Lots of stolen bikes.We would argue that by giving us a bike that keeps a student busy for a week, pays his wages and helps to keeps him out of prison, a single bike could be worth tens of thousands of pounds to society, the government and the taxpayer, says Jones.On the day Cyclist visits, we talk to guys at different stages of their mechanical journey (for now they are all men; XO has run workshops in womens prisons and there has been one female graduate, but Stef says he wants to improve the courses gender diversity). The feedback borders on the evangelical. Many arent cyclists and dont plan to be one trainee tells us he tried to take on a 30-minute ride and it took him almost two hours, and he hasnt been back on a bike since but its the work itself that is sustaining.Were not a bike business, were a person business, says Jones. The product is someone who doesnt go back to prison they just happen to fix bikes.Find out more at xobikes.comArticle continues belowXO doesnt look like your average bike shop which is wholly appropriate, because it isnt.Mike MassaroXO founder Stef Thomas is clear in his mission: to give people with a past a brighter future as bike mechanics.Mike MassaroMike MassaroMike MassaroMike MassaroMike MassaroMike MassaroMike MassaroMike MassaroMike MassaroMike MassaroMike MassaroMike MassaroMike MassaroMike MassaroXO Bikes storiesAssistant trainer Tray was XOs first graduate and has witnessed the benefits first hand. Ive seen it change people hugely. It changes their characteristics and their outlook, he says.Mike MassaroTrayAssistant trainer, first graduate, four yearsIve been involved with bikes from when I was 12, mainly BMXs because there was a wooden skatepark right next to my house in Leytonstone. It was maintained by the locals and had a proper community feel. I always thought it might be a career that or becoming a sponsored rider.The scheme has trained around 80 people and Ive seen it change people hugely. It changes their characteristics and their outlook. Some people struggle to engage in a social environment when they arrive, and then by the end they are outgoing and bubbly.Lots of ex-offenders feel like they dont have much purpose. Giving guys work to do, where they learn and have that sense of accomplishment, sounds simple but is really helpful.I also get a lot of pleasure from helping to motivate guys who are earlier on in their journey than I am. I really enjoy what I do and I hope Im at XO for a long time to come.Jason combines his role at the workshop with outreach work in prisons. Its good for them to talk to someone who has been in exactly their position, he says.Mike MassaroJasonAssistant manager Lewisham, graduate, three yearsI was sitting in my cell in Thameside Prison and I actually saw XO on ITV News. When I lived in the Caribbean I used to ride and work on fixies and racing bikes, so I had a history in bikes, which is why I signed up for the XO course.Now I do a lot of outreach work, going into prisons and talking with inmates about what we do. Its good for them to talk to someone who has been in exactly their position and after wasting about 15 years on the street has come out the other side. It gives them some hope.Im in a much better position now, contributing to society rather than wasting my time and having a negative impact on those around me. Im doing more on the charity side and enjoying talking to all kinds of young people not just those who are caught up in the justice system. Im a local lad from Woolwich, so hopefully I can share some knowledge that will direct them down the right road.XO gives structure and ambition to its graduates. Eugene is working with XO to set up his own bike shop.Mike MassaroEugeneGraduate and volunteer mechanic at Lewisham, two years When I first got in touch with XO I didnt even own a bike. They accepted me onto the programme but I didnt know a thing. I did six weeks with them, graduated, and have been volunteering for almost two years since.I was a car mechanic earlier in my life, before I was incarcerated. I started hustling, got into trouble and went to prison in Japan for about ten years, and then came to the UK to complete my sentence. Prison in Japan was a nightmare. As one of the few non-Japanese inmates I couldnt really talk to anyone, and you have to march everywhere you go.Its difficult psychologically too. They wouldnt use your name, just your prisoner number. Thankfully I had a cell mate who taught me some Japanese but Ive forgotten most of it now. The guards dont speak any English so its very tricky for a non-native speaker.In terms of bikes I really like working on derailleurs. Its challenging but super-rewarding when you get it right. My plan is to set up my own bike shop called Good Spokes. The XO management is keen to support me to help make this happen and Im on the hunt for a suitable garage as we speak. Hopefully my shop can be a place where more graduates can come and get a job.Ross was volunteering for a completely different organisation before finding XO: I went from operating a sewing machine to truing wheels. It was challenging for sure.Mike MassaroRossMechanic at Blackfriars, recently graduated traineeIve covered a lot of ground in my life to get here. I was born in Scotland but moved to Sydney, Australia, when I was two and spent 40 years there, including some time in prison.I did a culinary apprenticeship, worked in kitchens, and since I got deported back to the UK I volunteered for a bit at a sewing organisation and then got referred to the XO scheme. I went from operating a sewing machine to truing wheels. It was challenging for sure Im not a natural mechanic but the more Im challenged the more I enjoy things.One of the key things the training provides is structure. Theres a tight schedule and you know what your routine is. Youre always meeting new people and keeping your mind busy. Thats good for anyones mental health.Every day is a school day here. Sometimes Im in the workshop and between my boss and colleagues there are 100 years of bike knowledge between them. Its like getting cooking lessons off Gordon Ramsay or something.I honestly dont know where I would be if it wasnt for XO especially in my case when youre relocated to a new country and you dont know anyone. XO trained me up and gave me a job. I cant thank them enough.The post Local heroes: Londons XO Bikes breaking the chain appeared first on Cyclist.