CCC Report 2024

Cycling

July 2020 – September 2023

Executive summary

Through the Community Cycle Clubs programme, local organisations have been able to support those typically underrepresented in cycling to become regular cyclists and to make more journeys by cycle.

Between July 2020 and September 2023, the Community Cycle Clubs programme has been a part of Sport England’s Tackling Inequalities and Together Funds. Small grants were distributed for organisations to offer free cycling activity, purchase equipment and upskill existing and new volunteers. This enabled a sustainable and resilient volunteer-led network of cycle clubs.

Cycling UK’s team of Cycling Development officers have ensured that local organisations are supported as affiliated Community Cycle Clubs, working with them to support the club’s growth and goals. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation has revealed the individual, organisational and community benefits in improving both physical and mental wellbeing of participants engaged in the programme.

Percent of participants from the following demographics:

7,552 Participants reached

7,074

Sessions delivered

£440,322.08

Total grant funding

161 Individual clubs funded

53 Received more than one grant

Women Older people

Low Social Economic Groups (LSEG)

Long Term Health Conditions (LTHC)

Black and Minority Asian Ethnic (BAME)

Programme overview

The Community Cycle Clubs programme is volunteer-led and rooted in behaviour change. It aims to create free, affordable and sustained cycling activity for local communities, addressing issues such as health inequalities, access to a cycle, transport poverty, social isolation, and underrepresentation in cycling. Participation in the programme has the potential to increase active travel and mobility, provide more access to employment, improve wellbeing and contribute to community cohesion.

Programme objectives:

• To increase the physical activity of participants who have attended a cycling activity through Community Cycle Clubs, measured by their intention to cycle more and the amount of time they spend doing physical activity each week.

• To increase the number of trips made by cycle by building necessary cycling skills and confidence and increasing the sense of safety. The economic benefits of active travel are recognised and can aid in addressing transport inequality.

• To create more regular cyclists from underrepresented groups by offering cycling activities within the community; delivered by local organisations who have existing relationships with the people we want to work with.

• To improve community cohesion and the provision of opportunities for members of local communities to come together in a fun and welcoming environment and to use outdoor space. The Community Cycle Clubs programme helps train individuals to lead activities and be supported to develop new skills.

Over the last three years, Cycling UK had cycling development officers in 18 regions across the UK and one ‘satellite’ officer covering other areas.

The programme specifically looks to work with people from diverse ethnic communities, with long term health conditions, from low socio-economic backgrounds, women, older people and disabled people.

Increasing physical activity

Before atending

4,598 people attended more than one session with their Community Cycle Club.

37% were not doing any physical activity each week before taking part.

Three months after first taking part

20% increase in the number of regular cyclists (those who cycle fortnightly or more).

78% said taking part in this activity increased the amount of exercise they do.

78% now cycling regularly.

Case study:

Recovery through cycling

Chris is the women’s ride coordinator for St Helens’ Pedal Power. Before joining the club in 2021 she had suffered from covid which left her with unilateral tinnitus. The club has allowed her to find a love for cycling and she now works with them to increase female participation.

“[The club] has completely changed the amount of exercise I do, in terms of doing a lot more physical activities in addition to cycling. When I first started cycling, 5-10 miles on a bike was a huge challenge for me. I would puff and pant. I can now ride much further and enjoy being out for longer.”

Chris, St Helens’ Pedal Power volunteer

Increasing active travel

“The club has got me more active, organising rides etc. I do more exercise now. I now travel everywhere by bike, including to work.”

Those who attended a cycling activity are more likely to travel by cycle; 63% said they now use a cycle instead of a car for some or all of their trips. As well as the mental and physical benefits of cycling regularly, participants have also reported the economic benefits of travelling by cycle. We looked at the type of journey people were making by cycle and saw increases across all categories.

Changes in everyday cycling

Case study:

Saving money by cycling

Having initially attended the FirstLight Trust’s weekly cycle sessions to improve his mental health, Alan* soon discovered additional benefits to cycling. Since selling his car due to the increasing costs associated with it, he cycles for most of his journeys.

“Cycling gets you out and gets life back together. It’s one of the best things you can do and is good for everyone. It is the best way to see the environment around you, better than car or [motor]bike. [I] used to feel stressed driving on roads, but travelling by bike is fine.”

Alan, FirstLight Trust participant *Name changed for anonymity

Improving mental wellbeing

86% of participants attending a Community Cycle Club report the activity has made them feel happier.

In addition to the physical benefits of cycling, Community Cycle Clubs provide several social opportunities, a sense of camaraderie to connect people with similar interests, and the sense of achievement from improving a skill.

“The cycle club is one of the more rewarding and enjoyable things I’ve ever been involved with. I love seeing people who aren’t regular cyclists joining a ride, gaining confidence and cycling more often.”

Case study:

Cycling helped me connect with people after covid

Paul started volunteering at DJK House and SAVI Northwest in October 2022 after realising that cycling made him feel more comfortable opening up and connecting with people. Previously he only saw cycling as a mode of transport, but now he appreciates the benefits such as increased fitness, socialisation and exploring new places.

“I joined the club post covid. For myself, covid had a huge negative impact mentally and physically which through long spells of isolation I turned to alcohol to the point I didn’t really want to be here anymore. The cycling club was a huge factor in my confidence rebuilding, connecting again with people which lead to huge positives in my mental and physical health.”

Paul, DJK House and SAVI Northwest volunteer

Increase mobility

Responding to the cost of living crisis

80% of club leaders said the cost of living crisis directly impacted their delivery.

Cycling UK's programme funding model was able to respond to economic challenges caused by the cost of living crisis. Adversely affected clubs were provided with additional grants to purchase further equipment and refreshments, to fix, service or lend cycles so people can use them as free transport; and to support volunteers to help keep sessions free. Community Cycle Club activities are closing the gap of transport poverty in some of the UK's most deprived regions. 40% of clubs said that Cycling UK grants helped improve their organisation’s financial performance.

“The Community Cycle Clubs programme has provided a lifeline to the service users’ mental wellness and physical wellbeing. Majority of the service users have several intersectional barriers that have been exacerbated by the cost of living crisis, which cycling cannot solve. However, the mental wellness has improved which has helped service users cope better with the cost of living crisis.”

Case study:

Being able to repair my own bike has saved me money

The cost of living crisis was impacting Dan’s ability to pay for repairs and keep his bike maintained. Meet Move Mend Repeat put on maintenance sessions that enabled him to learn the skills to keep his bike maintained and safe to use.

“The more I’m able to do maintenance on my bike the more I can save money. Money is pretty tight. The club sometimes funds coffee and cake stops, this really helps a lot of the riders. A lot of other social prescribing has involved being taken places by car, this is a green alternative.”

Dan, Meet Move Mend Repeat participant

Increase mobility

Improving community cohesion

77% of volunteers reported Community Cycle Clubs activities helped people from different backgrounds mix and get on well together.

74% of volunteers reported Community Cycle Clubs activity helped individuals connect or reconnect with their local community.

25% of attendees found the Community Cycle Clubs programme gave them the opportunity to cycle with others.

“Our Community Cycle Club is certainly a community! So many people have got to know each other and made friends, their mental and physical health has dramatically improved.”

Cycling development officers being embedded in regions across the UK allows for a greater understanding of local community need and the provision of direct, in-person support. Enabling activities to be run for and by members of the community helped contribute to community covid recovery and the adverse social impact of covid. Representation of these communities within the programme mean that 86% of attendees agreed with the statement ‘cycling is for people like me’.

Case study:

Cycling breaks down barriers

Elliot’s Place is a group for young men to come and socialise, addressing the impact of social isolation on mental health. The group run monthly rides for individuals to build their confidence and encourage them to increase the frequency they cycle.

“The bikes are now acting as an additional tool and activity to engage with young men who find it difficult to open up and talk about their emotions. During activities, it breaks down the barriers and allows our young men to talk about how they are feeling. It’s made us closer, we’ve developed a proper bond.”

Michael, Elliot’s Place club leader

Increase mobility

Creating sustained cycling activities for local communities

85% of club volunteers reported that the programme provided the community with more opportunities to be active.

“It is a great opportunity to meet others from my community who just want to get out and about more without feeling the need to be competitive or have all the best gear.”

Bi-annual networking events were hosted for clubs to meet other groups, co-plan upcoming events, share ideas and hear updates and news from Cycling UK. By maintaining open dialogue with clubs on their needs, resources have been developed and avenues to capacity build organisations and volunteers explored.

Case study:

Learn to ride sessions have attracted new members

Following the success of their regular cycle rides, one of Derby West Indian Community Association’s volunteers, Kenton, is beginning a learn to ride course after identifying members of the community who would like to join but aren’t yet able to ride. The group hope to continue attracting more members from their community to join.

70% of clubs who received a grant in the last three years are still affiliated to Cycling UK, showing the programme has long-term retention of most clubs.

“My biggest fear was when we would start, we would get two to three weeks of enthusiasm, and by the end of the first month or so it would just be me and Willian. It’s gone much better than we thought, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. I enjoy seeing people get on a bike and build their confidence and getting better and getting stronger.”

Kenton, Derby West Indian Community Association volunteer

Upskilling the volunteer network

The Community Cycle Clubs programme allows volunteers the opportunity to develop their leadership skills to confidently run activities. Cycling UK’s training courses expand the number of trained volunteers and contribute to building a sustainable network of clubs. Of those who attended a training course, 29% went on to lead a session for their club.

Case study:

Trained volunteers mean safer rides

Oliver has a passion for helping others and a desire to keep learning new things. He began volunteering at Sheppey CCC in the spring of 2022 and has since completed both Cycling UK’s Group Leader and Basic Bike Maintenance courses.

There were 604 attendances on training courses from Community Cycle Clubs over the reporting period. Upskilling volunteers allowed clubs to recruit new and longer-term help for cycling activities. It also provides professional development for individuals looking to be more involved in their communities

“One of the most notable aspects of the training was their emphasis on bicycle safety. I gained a comprehensive understanding of safety protocols, risk assessment techniques and the importance of adhering to safety guidelines while riding a bike. This knowledge has not only bolstered my confidence as an instructor but has also allowed me to effectively convey crucial safety principles to others.”

Oliver, Sheppey CCC club leader and volunteer

Increasing cycling confidence

62% of participants feel more confident about cycling.

“I never went out [cycling] before and now look forward to it. We get all the training that gives you confidence on your bike.”

The aim of many clubs has been to help participants gain experience, whether it is those learning to ride or seasoned cyclists, in turn building their cycling confidence. Riding in a club offers security to a new rider and teaches participants important road skills so they feel more comfortable going off and using the cycle alone or with family and friends outside the club.

Case study:

The perfect environment to get back on a bike

It had been a while since Lisa* last cycled before attending the club and she needed some support to boost her cycling confidence. Describing herself as not very road savvy, she fell off her bike some years ago whilst riding from school with her son and this knocked her confidence. Since cycling with DWICA, Lisa has regained her confidence and enjoys cycling again.

“The thought of going [cycling] kind of terrified me, I lost confidence. It’s [DWICA] boosted my confidence. I really enjoy it, it’s really good company. It’s at my own pace and not competitive. [The club leader] is an experienced guide who has really helped to push me along. I never thought I’d be able to pedal up a steep hill, it’s a big confidence builder, health and safety are taken into account.”

Lisa, DWICA participant

*Name changed for anonymity

Increase mobility

Improving cycling skills

55% of those attending Community Cycle Clubs activities have improved their cycling or cycle repair skills.

“I enjoy the skills development sessions and bike repair sessions and really admire our cycle leaders as I feel they do a great job training and encouraging us.”

Community Cycle Clubs have been dedicated to improving attendee cycling skills, often working with groups who have little experience and building them up to longer rides. 1095 skills sessions were delivered by clubs during the reporting period. From changing an inner tube to changing a headset, the Community Cycle Clubs programme saw 380 cycle repair and learn to fix sessions, which meant attendees would be able to fix their own cycle for free with the support of trained volunteers.

Case study:

Encouraging women in Manchester from sofa to saddle

Horwich Ride Social run sofa to saddle courses which are targeted specifically at individuals with no cycle skills. Held over six weeks, participants progress from learning basic cycle skills to riding in the park and then on to the road. They then have the option to progress onto other steady club rides.

“All ladies over the weeks have progressed their bike handling and their confidence, they have gone from just being able to pedal to turning, taking hands off to indicate, using gears and brakes, cycling up and down hills and on various surfaces such as gravel, cobbles, muddy paths and roads.”

Cara*, Horwich Ride Social volunteer *Name changed for anonymity

Increase mobility

Demographic profile of participants

By successfully engaging with people from underrepresented demographics, the programme succeeded in its key focus of reducing inequalities in accessing sport.

51% of participants identify as women

16% of participants are age 65 or older

52% of participants live in postcodes in the top 30% most deprived areas of the UK

42% of participants identify as belonging to a minority ethnic group

21% of participants have long-term physical or mental health conditions or illnesses lasting or expected to last 12 months or more

3% of participants who responded to this question reported mental or physical impairment*

*as a non-mandatory question, a small sample size of data was available on disability, meaning stats may be variable.

Increase mobility Participant stories

Case study:

Cycling gave my fitness back to me

Before joining the cycle club, Felix was looking to book an appointment for a knee replacement and was thinking about having a stair lift installed in his house. Since joining Aigburth CCC, Felix has seen noticeable improvements in his health and now cycles twice a week.

“I was struggling with my knees for a long time, I used to struggle going up and down stairs. I’ve lost two stone since starting cycling. I am now looking way younger, my blood pressure dropped from 200 to 125. My knees don’t hurt as much, I got my fitness back and I can walk up the stairs with no problem.”

Felix, Aigburth CCC participant

Case study: I come to every ride I can

Jack used to be a keen cyclist in his youth, but when work and family commitments took over and he had less time to cycle, he lost interest. After losing his wife three years ago, a friend got him back out on his bike. After his friend sadly passed away, Jack was stuck at home again until he saw a flyer for his local Community Cycle Club, CycleTy Dartford.

“I saw a flyer for these rides so thought I’d come along and try and they’ve been absolutely fantastic. I only wish there were more – I’d come to every single one! It’s so beneficial to me as I used to be really fit, playing squash, badminton but then stopped doing everything during lockdown and after I lost my wife. I’m cycling once, sometimes twice a week now which is great and hoping it continues in the winter otherwise I'll just be sat at home on my own.”

Jack, CycleTy Dartford participant

Case study: Cycling has given me a new lease of life

David* perceived himself as someone that could no longer participate in sport, he felt old and had low self-esteem. When he found out that ReCoCo had bikes, he wanted to give cycling a go to explore his local area and meet new people. Since starting cycling with ReCoCo, David has regained his cycle confidence.

“I’d not been in the saddle for 20 years. I couldn’t cycle alone, I was too vulnerable and didn’t feel safe. It [attending the sessions] was for the safety and security of being in a group and a bit of knowledge. It [cycling] has expanded my small world and an opportunity to escape the city and allowed me to access a more tranquil, green and calmer world.”

David, ReCoCo participant

*Name changed for anonymity

Grant distribution

The total amount of funding distributed to all clubs was £440,322.58 – or £2,615 on average.

Birmingham, Manchester and the North East received a majority of the grant distribution. In part, this was due to existing clubs in those areas that applied for top up grants or were expanding their delivery to more people. Some regions did not have a development officer throughout the whole reporting period, whereas regions that did were able to build a foundation for an expansive and co-supporting network. Each year the location of active officers changed and where a regional officer no longer operated, the clubs became absorbed by the Satellite network.

Distribution of grant funding by region (active CDO regions in 2022–23)

Birmingham – 23%

Black Country – 2%

West Yorkshire – 4%

Kent – 4%

Satellite – 10%

Manchester – 13%

North East – 11%

Plymouth – 6%

Blackpool – 2%

Essex – 5%

Norfolk – 3%

Sheffield – 2%

East Midlands – 8%

Suffolk – 0.5%

Liverpool – 5%

Development plans

Each Community Cycle Club has specific targets based on the groups they are working with or the activities they are running. Cycling development officers write development plans with clubs to help organise and structure activity. Development plans are a practical toolkit, regularly updated, to help clubs plan six months or more ahead, identify where additional support can be given, what additional equipment or training is needed, and highlight their successes to date.

Local promotion

86% of club volunteers agreed that help with promotion and advertising was important support from the Community Cycle Clubs programme. Social media and belly poster templates were created for clubs to add their own details, in the form of photos, quotes or information on activities, to assist them with promoting events. We provided a guide to Community Cycle Clubs to help increase promotion and engagement at their activities.

Resources for delivering activities

The learn to ride document was developed to provide detailed guidance on how to run sessions for those just beginning their cycling journey. It covers planning, safety checks, basic skills, and progression games. Cycling development officers offer to run a practical training session with volunteers to cover the content of this session, with the outcome being independently run learn to ride for participants.

How to teach Learn to Ride

Increase mobility Conclusion

The Community Cycle Clubs programme has reached people all across England who were previously not regular cyclists, underrepresented in cycling, from marginalised communities or who were feeling the impact from covid or cost of living. It provides an environment to discover the benefits of cycling. The community organisations supported by Cycling UK have engaged over 7500 people since 2020 to improve cycle skills and confidence, become more active and make more journeys by cycle. At the community level, the programme has generated a greater sense of belonging and connection to the local areas in which clubs are cycling, as well as creating spaces for communities to meet and take part in a shared activity.

Cycling UK is committed to continuing the provision of training to upskill local volunteers to deliver consistent scheduled activities. Affiliation to Cycling UK enables cycling development officers to support and grow the network to achieve their long-term goals. Any future funding through the programme is intended to effectively support communities in the way they have told us it is needed. Additionally, the feedback received over the last three years has directed Cycling UK’s ways of working within these communities, the policies and campaigns which affect them, and what we now know needed to keep people cycling in these clubs.