Big Bike Revival proves a solid-gold success

And Cycling UK hopes Team GB’s Rio 2016 heroics will motivate even more people to get involved with a week to go before the majority of Big Bike Revival events come to an end.

Developed by Cycling UK, formerly CTC the national cycling charity, the Big Bike Revival helps people to bring their bikes back into use by providing cycle health checks, sharing maintenance knowhow and giving people more confidence in the saddle, helping many deprived communities in the process.

Cycling UK Development Officers based in Southampton, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Sefton (Merseyside), Reading, Plymouth, Surrey, Hampshire, Yorkshire and Essex have been liaising with dozens of bike recycling centres and other venues and groups to put on events.

Big Bike Revival statistics collected so far this summer show:

• There will be over 30,000 beneficiaries.
• A total of 1,500 events have been/are taking place throughout England.
• From those surveyed while taking part in the Big Bike Revival, 44% have been non-regular cyclists (above the 40% target set by Cycling UK).
• Cycling UK expects to generate 45 new Community Cycle Clubs up and down the country.

Thousands have already benefitted from the new Community Cycle Clubs and, as they are developed as sustainable groups, their work and impact will extend well beyond the Big Bike Revival.

Big Bike Revival events have been taking place since 2 July, with friendly mechanics on hand to make repairs or show people easy maintenance tips, activities for all ages to enjoy, cycle instruction and plenty of ways for adults and youngsters to learn how to make the most of the summer by bike.

While most events wind up next Wednesday (31 August), there is still time for people to find one near them – especially if the thought of getting out on two (or three) wheels appeals after the awesome performance of Team GB’s cyclists at the Olympics, where they won 12 medals in total, six of them gold.

Cycling UK Chief Executive Paul Tuohy said: “Few things in life are better than a cycle ride, whether it’s a trip to visit friends, a daily commute or a pedal to the countryside – and you don’t have to be the next Sir Bradley Wiggins, Jason Kenny or Laura Trott to appreciate that.

“The Big Bike Revival is a fabulous opportunity to remind yourself of the fun of cycling or to learn new skills, no matter what your age or your experience, and with various events around the country still taking place we hope people will feel motivated to get involved by the incredible feats of our Olympians.

“Cycling UK champions a simple belief – that cycling is a wonderful gift that should remain accessible and available to everyone. The Big Bike Revival reflects our philosophy to promote cycling as a normal everyday activity for all ages and abilities as it is good for your health, well-being, the economy and the environment.”

While most events finish next week, dozens of led rides organised by Cycling UK member groups will take place throughout the country in October for the thousands of people who have got back into cycling thanks to the Big Bike Revival.

Ian Richardson, Cycling UK Director of Cycling, said: “So many of us can instantly remember our first bike as a child and the freedom and fun it brought. The Big Bike Revival is the perfect way to bring that fun and freedom back into your life today.

“The programme has also reached into communities challenged by multiple deprivation, where access to a bike can unlock greater employment opportunities and provide transport savings and low-cost exercise.”

To find Big Bike Revival events information, visit www.bigbikerevival.org.uk and to search for a bike recycling centre, visit www.cyclinguk.org/recycling-centres 

The Big Bike Revival will also be launched in Scotland for the first time next month with funding from Transport Scotland. The launch will take place in Stirling on 19 September.