Successful funding bid secures cycling future for Derby children

Published: 16 February 2022

Cycle Derby have recently been awarded new funding from the Bikeability Trust. This funding will go towards helping children in Derby receive cycling training regardless of their background.

Cycle Derby aims to get more people physically and mentally active as well as encouraging people to travel sustainably by bike. Cycle Derby offer Balance Bike training and First Pedal bikes to Nursery and Foundation classes and Learn to Ride sessions for children to take before starting Bikeability Levels 1 and 2 which are available for children up to Year 6.

Cycle Derby’s work has recently been recognised by the Bikeability Trust and this year they have seen an increase in regular funding to support their programs and lessons. This funding will also be used to build on new programs that will aim to increase the number of children learning to cycle regardless of their background. Cycle Derby also own a fleet of adaptive bikes which can support riders regardless of their physical needs. These adaptive bikes are used in Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) schools as well as with family’s and community groups through their base at Markeaton Park. The additional funding can also help increase their SEND schools offer from six schools to twelve schools.

As well as their usual lessons, Cycle Derby have a full coaching programme which offers cycling sessions that build on skills and confidence and can also offer extra time to focus on various cycling related sports including BMX, Mountain Biking and Track Cycling at Derby Arena.

Councillor Evonne Williams, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, said: 

This additional funding is a huge success for Derby. Cycling can provide children not only with a fantastic hobby, but also a fun and enjoyable way to keep active. The Cycle Derby programs and lessons being offered can really make a difference in a child’s life. With this additional funding, those programs can continue to grow and reach children who would perhaps never consider cycling or never have the opportunity to even learn to cycle.”

Cycle Derby work alongside Sustrans, British Cycling and The Bikeability Trust as well as our own Derby City Council internal teams and community groups across the city in order to reach and help everybody that is looking to cycle.

You can learn more about Cycle Derby by visiting their webpage where you can find information about which schools they visit as well as what programs and lessons they run.

Leisure