The scheme is continuing successfully, click here for current activities. (pdf)
LEAP - The ‘green light’ has been given to set up a cycling project for older people within Dudley Borough through my work with Age Concern Dudley. As you can imagine it is a ‘dream’ opportunity and one where this new project should be as successful as the ‘Healthy Footsteps for 50 Plus’ walking project that the LEAP over 60 Project has run for nearly 3 years now.
This is an opportunity for SCC members to assist with ‘Get Cycling for 50 Plus’ by becoming volunteer cycling leaders.
Initially the plan is to hold one cycle ride a week on a weekday for participants to start cycling. This will be very basic to start with and will include a couple of sessions with the Road Safety Team to ensure riders are adept at bike handling, road safety, riding in groups, etc. Following these initial training sessions, the riders will be taken on short rides starting with 30-minutes to 1-hour on quiet roads and canal towpaths. Week-by-week the sessions will be progressive as the group’s confidence improves.
The first ride was launched in Spring 2010 with cycling leaders receiving training on 1 March 2010 based at Mary Stevens Park, Stourbridge.
Even though we are heading towards the winter season with all the weather implications that might affect our rides, we have some exciting news for you.
British Cycling, the national cycling body, has created a scheme called ‘Breeze’ to encourage lady cyclists. They are fun, local bicycle rides for women, led by women. The aim is for women to feel confident and comfortable about participating in a bike ride.
Two of our Cycling Support Riders are now trained to deliver cycle rides specifically for ladies. We shall hold our first ride on Tuesday, 13 December from Dell Stadium, Bryce Road, Pensnett, Brierley Hill, DY5 4NE from 10.00 am with another one taking place in February 2012. The December ride will be approximately 6 miles long using mainly canal towpaths travelling through Merry Hill and the Waterfront. This ride can be found on the following website: www.goskyride.com/breeze . Put DY5 4NE in the ‘search’ on the home page and our ‘Breeze’ rides will be listed.
Not wanting to disappoint our gentlemen riders, we shall also be holding ‘men only’ rides on the same days as the Breeze rides.
Bearing in mind we are now approaching winter months, rides will NOT take place when there is ice, snow or severe weather.
Further news via Dudley Cycle Forum:
- NHS Dudley’s Smoking Cessation is holding an event within the Merry Hill Centre on Saturday, 14 January 2012 called ‘Quitters getting Fitter’. With the use of a static cycling machine people will be invited to check their fitness by taking a challenge ride.
- During February 2012 half term, Dudley Road Safety will link up with Dudley Healthy Towns at three of the borough’s Healthy Towns Hubs for cycling events. These will be:
- 14 February – Silver Jubilee Park, Coseley
- 15 February – Dell Stadium, Pensnett
- 16 February – Huntingtree Park, Halesowen
- Dudley Cycle Forum is looking for more cyclists to join their quarterly meetings to give them a say in facilities provided within Dudley. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, 6 March 2012 at the Council House, Mary Stevens Park, Stourbridge, DY8 2AA. Time to be arranged.
Cyclists wishing to ride along canal towpaths can obtain a permit to do so through British Waterways. They can register here.
Scroll down the page and complete personal details and click ‘I agree’, the applicant will then have access to a document that they can print off and sign their name and carry with them when cycling along canal towpaths.
For more information get in touch with
Support rider task description - volunteers required. |
