Latest news with #CyclingUK
BBC News
5 hours ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Wolverhampton cycling champion welcomes return of mass bike ride
A former world champion cyclist from Wolverhampton has called the return of a mass bike ride to the city "music to my ears".Hugh Porter MBE, who has been Wolverhampton's cycling ambassador since 2021, said he wished the city's second Kidical Mass family bike ride on 14 June "every success".People of all ages are encouraged to take part, with riders pedalling from East Park on a 4.5 mile (7.2km) route to Molineux Stadium and who won Commonwealth Games gold in 1966 and four world titles in the individual pursuit, will set cyclists off shortly after midday. The event has been organised by Sam Henry from No Limits to Health CIC, alongside City of Wolverhampton Council, West Midlands Combined Authority and Transport for West is also supported by the charity Cycling UK, British Cycling and of Wolverhampton Council said there would be bike skills and learn-to-ride sessions in addition to music and entertainment at East Park between 11:00 and 15:00 BST. Kidical Mass is a worldwide movement aiming to make cities more cycle-friendly for children and young Qaiser Azeem, the council's cabinet member for transport, said it was a "wonderful opportunity" to practice safe cycling on public taking part are asked to bring their own bikes and helmets, with younger children to be accompanied by an who went on to become the BBC's voice of cycling for many years, said: "As a former world champion and cycling ambassador for the city it is music to my ears to see people riding bikes."I wish the Kidical Mass family bike ride every success on the day, and I hope it attracts lots of youngsters to pedal around the route."
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Gourock artist sets out to get people on their bikes after Inverclyde Bothy closes
A GOUROCK artist has spoken about her mission to get people across Inverclyde out on their bikes after the closure of a lifeline local project. Fine arts creator Christine Allan was a volunteer leader with the Inverclyde Bothy until the project's funder, Cycling UK, pulled the plug on its financial support for the initiative earlier this year. Christine admitted she was 'gutted' when Cycling UK axed its funding for the Bothy – but now she is setting up her own venture in a bid to keep cycling on track in the area. (Image: George Munro) Christine, a cross country mountain biker and member of various clubs, said: "I first joined the Inverclyde Bothy when I moved to Gourock with my partner. "It was a great way of meeting people. I have been involved in cycling most of my life, I have taken part in cross country and triathlon. She said: "I started volunteering as a leader, taking groups out on the road from our base at Gourock railway station. It was great and we had so many people involved. Read more Inverclyde Bothy health walks saved by Lyle Gateway Fun for all the family as Inverclyde eco group hosts seaside picnic this weekend Inverclyde pupils soak up the sun on the sea with cruise on the Waverley "It was a shame to lose the the Inverclyde Bothy. I think people were really disappointed to lose it." The Inverclyde Bothy was set up in May 2018 and had established a popular network of health walks as well as its cycling project. The cycling side of the Bothy's programme saw people taken out on safe routes with team leaders, including Christine, giving others the chance to learn to cycle. Christine Allan hopes to save cycling in Inverclyde (Image: George Munro) The Tele recently reported that the Lyle Gateway community hub had taken on the walks element of the Bothy project. But until now, nobody has stepped up with a plan to keep the Bothy's cycling legacy alive. Christine has already come up with a plan of action to bring back the cycling side of the Bothy's work, and has spoken to Community Tracks, the bike recycling and refurbishment project run by the Inverclyde Community Development Trust, about making use of their stock of bikes and equipment. Christine Allan hopes to start up a cycling venture (Image: George Munro) Christine is also now a Bikeability instructor and is visiting local schools to put pupils through a cycling proficiency course. The 49-year-old added: "We have all this cycling infrastructure in Inverclyde, and we also have all these bikes. 'I want to make sure that people can make use of it. Christine Allan's artwork and gifts are sold at the Wyllieum (Image: contributed) "I am determined to find a way to keep it going. There are such lovely routes here. I love cycling to Lunderston Bay." Christine, whose prints and giftware are on sale at the Wyllieum gallery in Greenock, was shortlisted for the 'tourism' prize at the ICON Awards, run by the Inverclyde Chamber of Commerce, last year. Cycling UK confirmed in March that funding for its 'connecting communities' programme had not been renewed, and that six project locations – Inverclyde, Dunoon, Helensburgh, Dumfries and Galloway, East Sutherland, and Caithness – would close by the end of that month. The Bothy was left out of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport's 'People and Places Programme' for this year, which replaced the previous funding model that provided cash to active travel groups such as Cycling UK.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Cyclist breaks bones after pothole left unfilled
A cyclist was left with a broken cheekbone and elbow after he hit a pothole covered with water before blacking out. The BBC can reveal Surrey, East and West Sussex, Brighton and Kent councils paid out £4.1m in compensation to road-users over the past five years. Crowborough resident Gianni Montoro, who was cycling in Station Road in Groombridge, said: "My front wheel never came out of that pothole, my back wheel came up and I got catapulted down to the ground." East Sussex County Council wished Mr Montoro a speedy recovery and said they carried out a temporary repair before the incident, but could not do a permanent repair due to water on the road. The pothole was submerged in water and had been reported to East Sussex County Council by a resident four weeks before the accident. "I hit the ground like a potato bag," Mr Montoro said. The father-of-two has been cycling for more than 20 years but said the incident had left him shaken. "The pothole was left, I couldn't see it, I had no idea what was coming, I just know I couldn't swerve to protect myself," added Mr Montoro, who owns the delicatessen Arte Bianca in Tunbridge Wells. He said: "If any other cyclists had gone the same way that morning they would have had the same destiny as mine. No chance." The pothole was repaired a few days after the accident. Groombridge resident Sarah Andrews said she reported the pothole on the Fix My Street App. She said the council came out and marked the pothole to be fixed but it was not filled in. Ms Andrews added: "The pothole was bad and was getting progressively worse. "It was bigger than my foot and I'm a size five, the water was eventually up to my ankle." Ms Andrews said residents had put a traffic cone in the pothole to alert drivers and cyclists, but the cone got damaged. "Why didn't the council put up a barrier or cordon it off so people knew it was there?" she added. Duncan Dollimore, from charity Cycling UK, said potholes could be "potentially life-changing" to cyclists. Every year 40 cyclists are seriously injured from potholes and between two and three die, Mr Dollimore says. He added: "It puts people off cycling which has massive health, environmental and wellbeing benefits so we should be doing more to make sure this isn't a problem." Additional reporting by Alex Bish. Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Cyclist thought 'this is it' after pothole crash Pothole that caused serious cyclist crash not fixed Unfixed road crack led to cyclist's death East Sussex County Council Cycling UK
The Herald Scotland
30-04-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Comrie Croft cycling retreat for women launches in the Highlands
Based in Perthshire, the course combines gentle guided rides with time in the award-winning Nowhere Sauna, offering a mix of adventure and relaxation in one of Scotland's top cycling destinations. The launch comes amid ongoing concerns about gender inequality in cycling. Research by Cycling UK found that 58 per cent of women cite safety concerns as a major barrier to riding, with many put off by aggressive drivers and a lack of dedicated infrastructure. With Cycling UK's research highlighting the challenges women face on the roads, the Comrie Croft team were driven to offer something that directly tackles those barriers. Emily Greaves - Comrie Croft (Image: Douglas Simpson) Greaves, who served in the Royal Engineers for four years and was the first female to serve in her squadron, before retraining as a cycling coach, said: 'We're creating a space where women can ride without pressure – it's not about fitness. 'It's about confidence, community and joy, getting outdoors and realising you don't need to be a hardcore cyclist to belong on a bike. 'Too many women feel cycling isn't safe or isn't for them. This is a chance to change that, starting in a safe, supportive, and beautiful place.' Inspired by the Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS) Trail Therapy programme - delivered at Comrie Croft and designed to support mental wellbeing through mindfulness, emotional regulation, and social connection - the retreat invites women to discover the power of focus and flow in a safe, uplifting environment. The programme is designed to be accessible to all abilities, with a 'party pace' approach that welcomes nervous or returning riders. READ MORE: Participants can hire bikes and gear on-site, making it possible to join the course without owning any cycling equipment. Each session includes a two-hour off-road ride through local trails, followed by an hour in the wood-fired sauna, with optional cold plunges and homemade baking to complete the experience. Greaves was named one of Cycling UK's 100 Women in Cycling for 2024. Through Comrie Croft Journeys, she also offers multi-day bikepacking trips and coaching, all focused on making cycling more inclusive and accessible. Comrie Croft, located near Crieff, is a hub for mountain biking and outdoor adventure. With gear hire, expert guides, and a growing focus on nature-based wellbeing, the site continues to attract visitors from across the UK.
Leader Live
23-04-2025
- Leader Live
Calls for stronger policing to stop Flintshire Coast Park motorbikes
As part of the new five-year management plan, the authority has removed controversial A-frame barriers that stopped motorcyclists gaining access to the banks of the River Dee. The barriers were designed to stop anti-social nuisance riders damaging the natural environment and causing a danger to park users. But the barriers also prevented disabled visitors from accessing the area. After a campaign by social injustice charity Together Creating Communities campaigned with Cycling UK, The FDF Centre for Independent Living, Disabled Ramblers UK, Wheels for Wellbeing, Transport for All, North Wales Crusaders Wheelchair Rugby League and Disability Sports Club and Chester Wheelers, Flintshire County Council agreed to make changes to open up access in line with disability access legislation. The council has now removed all A-frame barriers in Connah's Quay and Deeside area and will work in consultation with other landowners along the coast park and North Wales Police to remove more throughout 2025/26. As Flintshire's cabinet confirmed the park's five-year management plan, Sealand Cllr Christine Jones called on police to crack down harder on vandalism at the park - and for visitors to be their eyes and ears. "We welcome the removal of the A-frame barriers to improve access but please beware it is being abused by motorcyclists going along the cycle paths," she said. "If anybody sees it please notify North Wales Police so they can be stopped. It is a dangerous practise if someone is walking the dog, cycling or jogging and a motorcycle comes up behind you. It can be extremely frightening and dangerous." Councillor Chris Dolphin, Cabinet member for Economy, Environment and Climate, agreed that the removal of the barriers meant more policing was required. "The police need to not only be involved but taking action if there is abuse of our coast park," he said. "We all need to look after our natural areas and if we look after it, it will be a great place for us all to visit. "We need the police to act and act strongly if there is abuse of our coast park and our coast path." Popular with walkers, cyclists and bird-watchers, Flintshire Coast Park (FCP) stretches for 25 miles along the shore of the Dee Estuary – from the Welsh/English border to the Irish Sea. The new management sets out target areas for improvement and outlines how the park will provide residents and visitors with an improved sense of place and arrival. It also details a phased approach to raising the profile of the foreshore, enhancing tourism and enabling communities and businesses to work sustainably and innovatively to help deliver environmental, economic and social prosperity, as well as site specific proposals for eight 'hubs' along the path. The hubs start in Saltney on the English/Welsh border followed by the Northern Gateway and Garden City, Connah's Quay and Shotton, Flint Foreshore, Bagillt Foreshore, Greenfield and Llanerch-y-Môr and Mostyn. The final hub is where river meets sea at the wide sandy beach of Talacre and Gronant, whose towering lighthouse is recognised as the symbol of the park. The aspiration is that Flint Foreshore will become the central hub - the focal point for visitors to explore the park with a proposed new heritage building for the area. There are also plans to improve protections for natterjack toad populations in Talacre. Cllr Dolphin said: 'Our ambition is a Flintshire Coast Park for the benefit of all, celebrating the rich natural habitat of the Dee Estuary and Flintshire Coastline. 'The rich Dee Estuary landscape is precious with sensitive habitats, home to a wealth of species. It is important that the natural environment is celebrated, enhanced and protected for future generations. 'Our first 5-year management plan offers a fantastic wealth of possibilities to utilise our skills to bring our ambition to fruition.'
