Our 150,000 members will this month start to receive their greenest-ever membership packs, as part of our drive to cut waste, switch to more sustainable materials and reduce our environmental impact. The switch is expected to save an estimated 4.5 tonnes of paper and plastic waste each year.
In addition to this all stickers and inserted promotional materials have been removed, and we are continuing to work towards a wholly digital offer in the future, providing our members with greater choice and flexibility.
In August 2021 we were proud to join the British Association for Sustainable Sport, joining forces with likeminded sporting organisations passionate about having a positive environmental impact through sport.
While there is still much to do, further progress in recent months includes:
- Working with Manchester City Council to support the sustainable refurbishment of the National Cycling Centre, including the installation of air source heat pumps and LED lighting.
- Through our new Let’s Ride Through Winter campaign, we’re planting a tree for every person who completes a cycling challenge with our partners at See.Sense.
- Enabling officials and club volunteers to ‘opt out’ of receiving a printed regulations and policies Handbook, with all remaining copies distributed in a paper rather than plastic wrap.
British Cycling Commercial Director, Darren Henry, said:
“While we know that cycling is one of the most sustainable ways to get around, we understand our responsibility as a national governing body to set a positive example for our sport and communities and challenge our business processes to ensure that they are as sustainable as they can be.
“We know that our growing membership is increasingly keen to see us tackle the environmental impact of our operations and events, and while we still have work to do I know that this will continue to be a real focus for the organisation in the future.”
British Cycling membership starts from just £26, and you can find out more here.