Alex Corlett discovers how Cycling UK’S new scheme is getting Brits back on their bikes.
CYCLING has seen a boom since the pandemic began last March. From folk rediscovering the joys of a quick pedal round the park to seasoned cyclists making the most of furlough, there have been more people on two wheels than ever before – even through the winter chill.
It’s a trend Cycling UK are keen to capitalise on.
Cycling UK are a charity set up to promote the use of bicycles in Britain and support cyclists, and they’ve come up with an idea to help folk out and about on the streets.
The “Pumped Up Crew” has been part of a big push to keep the momentum up, and Cycling UK have been asking people to join the crew and help in one of three ways.
These are: inspiring people online and sharing information about groups and projects; partnering with the organisation to man stalls at events to encourage people to join existing cycling clubs; and getting out there and cycling around, offering mechanical support to fellow cyclists.
It feeds into a wider behaviour change initiative run by Cycling UK: the Big Bike Revival, which is backed by the Government.
Funded by the Department for Transport, the Big Bike Revival aims to see all those bicycles languishing at the back of sheds and garages across the country oiled and back out on the street where they can help us stay healthy and benefit the environment.
There has probably never been a better time to cycle than at present. The Prime Minister himself has described it as a “golden age of cycling”.
Levels of cycling were on the rise last year – figures showed a 147% increase, and cycle shops have seen unprecedented demand for bikes.
Cycling UK have been studying what puts people off taking to two wheels and they’ve discovered that the perception of it being a dangerous activity is top of the list.
Statistically, though, any risk of cycling is far outweighed by the health benefits, and if the thought of your busy local roads is putting you off, you can visit their website to find your nearest dedicated cycle paths or off-road routes.
Of course, it can also be intimidating, starting again after any amount of time off a bicycle, or joining a group where the fear is you’ll not be as fit as the other members.
But the sport has never been more inclusive, and finding the right club has never been easier.
Pumped Up Crew rider Vicky is now out there spreading the word, but has only recently rediscovered the joys of cycling.
“I used to cycle years ago and, as an active mum, I always had kids on the back of the bike, but I’d given up cycling for about twenty-five years, so it felt very new at first.”
Vicky joined a club in Coventry and found them a friendly group.
As she cycled more and more, her fitness increased to the point where she took on a trip to Sardinia with other members from the club.
“It was quite a journey, really, but there was lots of encouragement and I met lots of people who said, ‘Yes, you can do that!’”
Vicky has been particularly keen to encourage more women out on their bikes.
“We’ve been working quite hard to support women to come out with us and to continue coming out with us.”
That’s how and why Vicky joined the Crew.
“It’s because of my activity in supporting women to get into cycling and to stay in cycling.
“A good number of us are in our fifties or sixties.
“Some people come on electric bikes, and we welcome them and they really come on and develop their own strengths.”
Vicky feels it’s often a question of confidence that proves a stumbling block for women, which is especially understandable for anyone who lives in a built-up area.
“Educate yourself about the cycle clubs in your
Cycling UK’S Pumped Up scheme aims to get more people back on their bikes. Alex Corlett finds out more.
area,” Vicky suggests as a starting point.
“And have a look at your local parks. A lot of them have fantastic resources nowadays.
“Quite often a simple cycle around the park is a good place to start!
“So find the safe spaces and give yourself permission to get to them safely – even if that’s just walking there to do your practising.”
Vicky’s own club organises women-only rides twice a week.
“We had one comment from a lady last week who came for her first ride and she had never ridden far, but had an e-bike.
“She was about sixtyfour, and she was saying, ‘I think I might like this, but I don’t know.’
“Later on that day, she said, ‘Why have I not done this before? It was such fun!’
“It absolutely is. We have an ace ride leader and we never leave anyone behind.
“It’s really an attitude embracing anyone who comes and saying, ‘Right. How can we support you to enjoy what we enjoy?’”
Whilst Vicky works within the context of her club to promote cycling, Reuben is out on the streets and engaging with people as they pass by on bikes.
“A couple of years ago I was invited to do a cycle mechanics course and since then I’ve done a lot of community bike stuff and repairs.”
Reuben’s now a professional bike mechanic.
“Through work we got involved with the Pumped Up cycling community. We have a place that we will set up for a while – we had a spot in Longford Park in Stretford and we were there for about two or three months – and every week we would just do our repairs in the park.
“We have done some places just around Manchester or around Trafford, Oxingdon and Greater Manchester as well.”
Reuben is there to help anyone passing to fix any mechanical issues and keep them rolling.
“Most of the time it’s fixing gears or working on bikes that have been left out in the back garden and are now a bit rusty!”
Reuben also works on getting children into cycling – it helps that he provides a free repair service for any who’ve buckled a back wheel from doing too many wheelies!
“It’s great to get involved in the repairs and show them how to do it.
“Eventually it might turn into a job – they can earn themselves some money and fix their friends’ bikes. Then teach their friends how to do it and then continue from there.” ■