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Summer of Cycling gets 8,000 youngsters out riding

Summer of Cycling gets 8,000 youngsters out riding

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During August Go-Ride Clubs around the country joined together in bringing the carnival spirit of the Rio Olympics back to their coaching spaces. Putting on dedicated Summer of Cycling sessions, clubs offered young riders from the community a chance to practise their bike handling and emulate the Great Britain Cycling Team.

In total, 328 events were organised resulting in 8,000 young people getting active in cycling. Reflecting the great excitement of the Olympics and Paralympics, an incredible 3,000 of these riders did not cycle regularly but were given the chance to through the local opportunities offered by British Cycling trained coaches and dedicated volunteers.

The Go-Ride programme is an effective, grassroots method of creating an active nation - thanks to the network of over 300 Go-Ride Clubs and their volunteers delivering regular programmes of activities for young people and their families. Young riders are supported from their first involvement in the sport, right through to their teenage years.

Spalding CC had fitting weather for their Summer of Cycling session

Spalding Cycling Club had fitting weather for their Summer of Cycling session

Go-Ride Clubs are open to any cycling enthusiasts aged 16 and under, with the six disciplines of cycling on offer. Hethersett Hawks, a cycle speedway club in the South East, promoted two activities. Go-Ride Club Contact Mel Perkins commented:

“The youngsters who attended the two sessions have now spread the word and in recent weeks we have had more new young members come to the club.”

Meanwhile in Wolverhampton, the sessions helped young riders to get excited about cyclo-cross. Club coach and Breeze Champion Karen Langford said of their event:

“The kids had a brilliant morning; it built their confidence up in competing. One mum told me that her daughter was excited about competing in the cyclo-cross competition the next day, where usually she would have been nervous.”

“It’s all thanks to club volunteers”

In total, over 6,500 hours of volunteering went into ensuring that the 8,000 young riders were able to take part in the Summer of Cycling.

The Cleveland Wheelers shared their Summer of Cycling with Stockton Wheelers

The Cleveland Wheelers shared their Summer of Cycling with Stockton Wheelers

Speaking of this contribution, development manager Rob Mace, had the following message for volunteers:

“It’s all thanks to club volunteers and everyone involved should be incredibly proud of the contribution they have made to creating an active nation. The Summer of Cycling really did make a big impact for the month and we heard some brilliant stories of the sessions taking place.

“Reaching 3,000 young people who previously weren’t active riders is a wonderful achievement and we are all hopeful that each of those youngsters will continue their relationship with their local club and of course, the sport.”

East Park Wolves Cycle Speedway Club did some grass track racing.

East Park Wolves Cycle Speedway Club did some grass track racing

The Olympics and Paralympics saw the Great Britain Cycling Team dominate the cycling medal tables once again. With over 85% of the Great Britain Cycling Team starting their rider journey in a Go-Ride Club perhaps one of the 8,000 participants who were inspired to get active this summer will be flying the flag in Tokyo and beyond.

If you’ve been inspired to get involved, find your nearest Go-Ride Club or activity or call 0161 274 2070.

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