watts going on?
Introducing Roadblock Sound System a Leeds-based community project proving that music, creativity and climate action can go hand in hand – or rather, foot to pedal. Their remarkable invention turns pedal power into electricity, providing sound, light and power for community events, festivals and activism in Leeds, all completely off grid.
The idea started back in 2019 when a small group of friends, led by Lewis Hemingway, wondered what they could take to a climate protest that would make a real difference. Within two weeks they’d built their first pedal-powered sound system, and it’s been on the move ever since. the team has grown into a community interest company (CIC) so they can help other communities build their own machines like this.
Armley already has the Armley Roadblock! The machines are powered by good old-fashioned leg power. The design is simple but brilliant. As riders pedal, they generate electricity that runs the sound and lighting. A light bulb on each bike glows brighter the harder you pedal, giving riders a visual clue about their effort and helping them keep a steady, efficient pace. A smooth rhythm is best – the brighter the bulb, the better the beat! It’s a clever way to make sustainability visible, interactive and fun.
Roadblock’s bikes have popped up all over Leeds at events that celebrate community, creativity and change. They take part at Rob Burrow Marathon, Beeston Festival and bike ride arounds. They’ve even been decorated in all sorts of imaginative ways – from a giant snail to Santa’s sleigh – transforming them into mobile art pieces as well as green energy machines.
They aspire to take all of community events in Leeds off grid by helping people build machines that solve the issues local people face.
At its core Roadblock CIC is collaborative, with over 50 partner organisations in the city they draw together partners who can help each other, using events to build our communities up.
They’re funded by the Leeds City Council, Climate Action Leeds and local people. But are primarily a voluntary group, with a core team of 20 and a lot of people who want to play their part when there is a call for skills! The project brings people together – to celebrate what’s possible when we use our own energy to create something powerful and joyful.
The bikes can power more than music. They can charge phones, light up stalls or provide electricity for small equipment at off grid events. They’re particularly popular at events like Horsforth Climate Festival, where people can hop on, pedal, and literally help keep the show running. There’s something infectious about the sight of people working together to make power happen – it’s a great way to get conversations started about energy use, sustainability and collective effort.
Looking to the future, Roadblock has more creative ideas on the horizon. In December they’ll be launching a hand assembled smoothie bike, which they will provide in schools and groups as a workshop. The idea is to help people learn the sensory feeling of mechanics at a young age, and flow into a nutrition focused activity blending delicious fruit in recipes they design. In any way they can, Roadblock are making it more likely you’ll see a fun bike in Leeds!
If you fancy having Roadblock at your event, they can come along with a sound system, sound engineer, stage, manager, engagement teams for science comms or family outreach, whatever suits your place and people. They are always open to a new creative building project with engineers or artists as well.
There are lots of ways to get involved. Roadblock has open voluntary roles of Content Creator, Physical Artist and Soundsystem Engineer (builder). You can donate on Buy me a Coffee (Roadblock CIC) or get in touch to book in an event!
When they come to your part of the city make sure to get involved building your own machine!
If you know a group, school or friend that might be interested, or you’d like to find out more, get in touch with Roadblock.
Email: [email protected]
