Volunteer Awards 2019 Finalist - Bradford Capital of Cycling

What does it take to get a city cycling? It takes the joint effort of numerous cycling clubs, organisations and charities. This is exactly what Bradford Capital of Cycling is doing. Offering everything from secure bike storage to work experience for young offenders, the project is having a huge impact on many people across the city. The project focuses on promoting both the leisure and transport roles that bicycles can play. 

At the centre of the projects work is the Cycling Hub. The hub provides a place for the local community and bike aficionados to come together. One of the highlights of the hub are the weekly maintenance drop-in workshops for people looking for a bit of help and advice. The workshop focuses on giving people the skills to fix their own bike as well as introducing them to the wonderful world of cycling. The workshops are completely free of charge and also work to refurbish donated bikes that can be sold on, this raises vital funds to keep the project running. The project focuses on including all members of the community and often gets young offenders and people recovering from substance misuse involved in bike maintenance. This allows them to gain valuable experience as well as giving them access to a bike, a vital method of improving mobility and helping to end transport poverty.

The Cycling Hub also provides a to other groups as well as regularly hosting talks and films. The Hub is also working with other local charities to provide a centre for ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) teaching as well as hosting the Bradford Refugee Week exhibition.

Some of Bradford Capital of Cycling's key members include Bradford Disability Sports and Leisure and Choices 4 All. These groups make use of the project's shared fleet of modified and accessible bikes, these can easily be ridden with people with disabilities. These are used to provide safe and accessible rides around the city centre. Regular family-friendly rides are also planned, meaning everyone can get involved.

Bradford Capital of Cycling is an excellent showcase of how different groups, charities and stakeholders can come together and share vital resources. This results in a joined-up, community-led project that yields amazing results. 

Bradford Capital of Cycling and the Bradford Bikery won Best Group Achievement at our Big Bike Celebration Volunteer of the Year Awards in 2017.