British Cycling are encouraging West Midlands clubs to apply for the amazing Bob Maitland Fund, where up to £50,000 is available to support and sustain the growth of cycling across the region.

In collaboration with British Cycling’s facilities team and the West Midlands Regional Board, the Bob Maitland Fund was launched in 2020, made possible by the late Olympic medallist Bob Maitland, with the aim to support clubs, sustain and grow cycle sport participation, and the number of opportunities to compete in the West Midlands.

Organisations are able to apply from £5,000 to £50,000 for their project and should align to the fund objectives, which includes developing high quality, traffic-free cycling facilities to enable cycling competitions to take place across the West Midlands, investing in lasting legacy of active environments that provide high quality cycling facilities, and providing affordable opportunities to race in cycling which can continue to be sustained in the future.

Halesowen Cycling Club has been able to upgrade their facilities, including installing lighting around their outdoor track to ensure safety for their riders, thanks to the Bob Maitland Fund and Places to Ride scheme. The funding has been vital for them to continue using the track throughout the winter  months, as well as increase race opportunities for West Midland cyclists. 

The main Places to Ride fund has now closed to applications but funding is still available through our Crowdfunder partnership here. Places to Ride looks to support organisations that are developing cycling activity in their community and can be used for anything from equipment packages to activate your local space, to a brand-new cycling facility.

The West Midlands based club received £15,000 from the Bob Maitland Fund, and also applied for Places to Ride funding, receiving £25,000, while also putting in club investment to fund the upgrade.

Halesowen Cycling Club Secretary and Coach Coordinator Tracey Hipkiss said: “We are extremely grateful for the support of the Places to Ride fund and the Bob Maitland Fund to make the upgrade of our club floodlights possible.

“This floodlight upgrade is the first stepping stone towards us developing health and wellbeing by cycling in our community and wider throughout the West Midlands and Worcestershire.

“The West Midlands has a huge and diverse population with a high level of social deprivation.  The interest in all forms of cycling is high, despite the region’s roads being some of the most congested in the UK. Our velodrome provides a safe and fun environment for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to ride.

“It’s fitting that following the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, we now have a world class floodlit outdoor track facility for cycling for the next 20 years and beyond.”

West Midlands and Central Regional Manager Nick Barr said: “The Bob Maitland Fund is very special to British Cycling and the West Midlands. When Bob died in 2010, he left his estate to British Cycling, and we were able to develop the fund in his name to fulfil Bob’s request that it be used to benefit the development of cycle sport in the West Midlands.

“This funding is a lasting legacy for Bob - whether that is supporting future Olympians and Paralympians, or providing more regular and accessible opportunities for people to get involved in cycling across the West Midlands. 

“By investing in facilities in the region, we are able to introduce more people to the excitement of cycling races, and ensure cycling is accessible for all those who wish to discover the thrill of competition.”

Applicants must be based within the West Midlands and can request from £5,000 up to £50,000 for their project. The fund is open to all disciplines, but priority will be given to road and track-based projects.

Application forms can be requested from British Cycling’s Facilities team: facilities@britishcycling.org.uk.