Lime – the world’s largest provider of shared electric bikes and scooters – has teamed up with British slow fashion designer, Lydia Bolton, to launch a limited edition contemporary streetwear collection of unisex apparel and accessories, designed to overcome the fashion barriers stopping millions of Brits from choosing to ride a bike or scooter.
The line, created from 100% second hand clothing and waste textiles, is inspired by new research from Lime that reveals how clothes have a major impact on attitudes towards riding, with 9 in 10 (89%) avoiding journeys by bike or scooter if they are wearing ‘uncomfortable’ or ‘inappropriate’ clothing.
The top five clothing items that would stop cyclists and scooter riders from riding when leaving the house are: long coats (51%), mini-dress/ skirts (29%), baggy trousers/ jeans (27%), flowy dresses (25%) and midi-skirts (23%). This is a particular challenge for female riders, with two-thirds (66%) saying they avoid riding a bike or scooter if they were wearing a mini dress or skirt.
Riders have also been put off riding on two wheels by having to carry an extra change of clothes (44%), being dressed up nicely (48%), and not owning or being reluctant to wear reflective clothing when riding in the dark (44%). The study found this lack of access to both cycle and fashion friendly clothing is quite literally driving unsustainable consumer behaviour too. Of those who have avoided cycling due to being unprepared for the conditions, two in five (44%) admit they instead travelled by car.
Lime and Lydia Bolton co-created the ‘Re-Cycle Collection’ – a contemporary, yet functional, four-piece unisex streetwear collection to combat concerns, and empower more people to safely integrate active and sustainable travel into their daily routines. It caters to the almost half of riders (48%) who wished that more stylish cycle-friendly clothing existed, and includes:

Reflective hi vis vests made with a mix of second-hand fabrics including outerwear cottons and jerseys, and reflective elements for safe after-dark riding. A new, fashionable take on traditional high vis for those reluctant to wear it. No need for a change of clothes.
Adaptable coats created from a mix of second-hand outerwear including a puffa jacket and waterproof coat. Featuring a detachable lower half, the jacket can be worn in a short or long style, with the removable bottom turning into a handy attachable bag to let riders pedal freely, while still sporting the ‘oversized coat look’ after reaching their destination.
Shorts designed to be easily worn under or over a short dress/skirt to protect rider’s modesty, and keep riders comfortable when travelling regardless of what they’re wearing. The shorts can be quickly packaged up into a neat bag that can be stored safely in a handbag or backpack post-ride.
Clothing clips designed to cinch in flowy dresses, trousers or skirts and prevent them from getting dirty or caught. Made from braided jersey and reflective fabrics, these durable and springy trouser clips are adjustable with a silver clip to fit onto any size leg.

Lydia designed and produced the collection in her East London studio from 100% second hand clothing and waste textiles, breathing new life into unused materials from tents, quilted jackets, waterproof coats, jerseys and more, all sourced from charity retailer, TRAID. All take cues from London’s bustling city culture, the current trending biker style and feature the designer’s signature handmade patchwork style, alongside functional cycle-friendly elements.
Commenting on the collaboration, Lydia Bolton said: “I’m so excited to partner with Lime on this innovative collaboration. As a slow fashion designer and sustainability advocate, I’ve loved having the opportunity to work with them to identify and create solutions for people who want to travel in a greener way, especially given that the research shows almost half of Brits wish that more stylish cycle-friendly clothing existed. Being able to create everything from defective stock and waste textiles has meant I’ve been able to bring my experience and channel my passion into this project. I hope it makes people think about small ways they can live a little greener.”
Lizzy Day, Sustainable Operations Manager at Lime, commented: “Cycling in London is at an all time high – at Lime, we’ve seen more than 12 million e-bike trips taken between Jan 2019 and March 2023. However, barriers still exist that prevent active travel from becoming fully integrated into our daily routines and lifestyles. One of those barriers is the lack of fashion-friendly clothing that also lets you ride comfortably and safely. By working with Lydia and TRAID, we’ve created a collection that inspires a future of cycle-friendly fashion that can help more people travel sustainably without having to compromise their outfit choices. Whether concerns are related to the safety of riding at night, or fear of a Marilyn Monroe moment, our Re-Cycle Collection directly addresses the biggest fashion pain points so that they can integrate riding into their lifestyle while looking and feeling great.”
The limited edition Re-Cycle Collection will be available to consumers by public auction on eBay, with 100% of proceeds going to grassroots environmental organisation, Friends of the Earth, to support their efforts in protecting people and the planet.
Bidding for individual items will go live from today (August 14th) and will remain open until Friday 25th August. The collection is currently on display in TRAID’s store windows in Peckham and Dalston. Those that want to try before they bid can visit Lime’s Re-Cycle Pop-Up at BOXPARK Shoreditch on Thursday 24th August, where they’ll have a chance to see the collection in-person, plus receive Lime discounts and other giveaway items.