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The impact of community investment from ‘Places to Ride’ has been revealed by British Cycling, with more than 150 facilities receiving in excess of £15 million in funding to ensure people across the country will find it easier to get involved in all forms of cycling.
Delivered in partnership between British Cycling, Sport England and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), Places to Ride has invested significant funds in facilities nationwide since 2019, when funding was allocated to deliver a lasting legacy from the UCI Road World Championships, staged in Yorkshire.
Fresh from Olympic and Paralympic success in Paris, the legacy of elite performances is clear with these new and improved facilities providing vibrant hubs of community activity, providing traffic-free spaces where people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can experience the joy of cycling.
Stephanie Peacock MP, Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society & Youth, said: “Back in 2019, I watched on proudly as Yorkshire hosted the International Cycling Federation’s Road World Championships, reinforcing the UK’s strong track record as host of major international events.
“Today the legacy of those Championships lives on, with more than 150 community cycling facilities benefiting across the country.
“Delivered in partnership with Sport England and British Cycling, these facilities are enabling people of all ages and abilities to get involved with different forms of cycling, ensuring the sport continues to grow and more of us enjoy the benefits of physical activity.”
With all investment now allocated, a new report has now been published to highlight the impact of the programme in communities nationwide.
In total the programme supported: six skateparks, 49 BMX and pump tracks, 10 closed road circuits, 23 mountain bike trails, 17 learn-to-ride projects for beginners, 44 equipment and storage solutions, and seven clubhouse units.
Jon Dutton, British Cycling CEO, said: “We’re really proud of what our athletes have achieved in Paris this summer, but rather than that being the final outcome, for us it’s about what now happens at home.
“By working closely with clubs, local authorities, schools, and facility operators who have benefitted from the fantastic Places to Ride investment that came from hosting a major championship on these shores, we believe these facilities can become true cornerstones of their communities for many years to come.
“To give everyone the chance to enjoy the benefits that cycling brings – physical and mental health, happiness, belonging, better air quality, a lower carbon footprint, and an affordable way of getting to work or school – we need continued investment in facilities and infrastructure to make this happen.”
The Place to Ride programme set out to address inequalities in participation and create new opportunities for under-represented groups in cycling.
As a result, 83% of projects focused on children and young people, 41% on women and girls, 35% on low socio-economic groups and 41% on participants with disabilities or long-term illnesses.
Funded projects typically provide traffic-free space for riding, were developed alongside the local community and are able to host other community events or activities – maximising their societal benefit.
Tim Hollingsworth, Sport England’s chief executive, concluded: “Sport England is proud to work with British Cycling to deliver more and improved community cycling facilities through Places to Ride.
“Uniting the Movement, our ten-year strategy, is focused on creating opportunities for everyone to get active – regardless of background, bank balance or postcode.
“This project is providing more opportunities for a diverse range of people to ride a bike. It’s connecting local communities, and it’s good for the environment too.”
The full report can be viewed online here.
