Pendle News Room

Cyclists and would-be cyclists are being urged to come to free events and to book any free sessions they’re interested in, as places are being snapped up and some sessions are fully booked.

Pendle Council has teamed up with cycling organisations including Cycle Sport Pendle, Go Velo, Pendle Leisure Trust’s Up & Active Team and the Cyclists’ Touring Club to offer seven days of events.

There are activities for all ages and abilities including learn to ride and borrow a bike sessions, the chance to try BMX bikes, electric bikes and guided rides.

Tricia Wilson, who co-ordinates cycling initiatives for Pendle Council said:
“Cycling is a great activity for health, well-being and fitness and our Summer of Cycling Fun is designed to get more people onto bikes.

“We have fantastic free facilities for cycling in Pendle, including the Steven Burke cycle track and BMX pump track.

“These events will help more people make the most of them and get out on bikes to enjoy our great network of cycle ride routes,” she said.

There are plenty of routes to choose including family friendly rides and more challenging ones via our website www.visitpendle.com 

The full week’s programme of 17 events can be downloaded from visitpendle.com/fun including drop in events and those which need to be booked.

The week of events starts with a Summer Jam at the BMX Pump Track on Saturday 17th August, run by Cycle Sport Pendle’s BMX Pendle Panthers.
 
Manny Bashah, one of the coaches, said:
 “We’ll be running taster sessions from 10am until 12 noon.   We want people of all ages from six or seven up to adult to give it a go!

“Bring a bike and helmet and if you haven’t got them, we have a number of bikes and helmets on site you can borrow,” he said.

Some of the experienced BMX riders at the Summer Jam will be demonstrating their skills from 12 noon to 4pm with the chance for other people to bring a bike and helmet and get on the track.

“To keep everyone fuelled up there’ll be a free barbecue next to the BMX track and people can even pedal power their own smoothie on Go Velo’s specially adapted bike,” added Tricia Wilson.
Also on Saturday 17th August, Pendle Leisure Trust will be at the Steven Burke track encouraging people to try a bike and have a go on an electric bike.

 And the Pendle Leisure Trust team will be flagging up their Bike Revival Scheme which includes bike maintenance sessions. 

The Steven Burke sports hub where many of the events are taking place is located between Nelson, Barrowford  and Colne and can be found off Cravendale Avenue, Nelson and via Wilton Street,  Barrowford BB9 8PU.  

Kirsti Grayson of Pendle cycling organisation Go Velo which celebrated its 10th birthday this summer said:
“There’s still spaces on the family Treasure Hunt by bike on Wednesday 21 August in and around the Steven Burke Sports Hub, Bullholme and Barrowford Park.”

Places for Go Velo events can be booked via  www.govelo.co.uk

And also on Wednesday from 6.30 – 8pm Go Velo will be launching Ride Active Pendle Sofa to Saddle – a nine week course to get people from being inactive to riding a bike confidently.
Kirsti added:

“There’s been such a demand for our learn to ride sessions for 3 year olds to 11 year olds that we’ve drafted in extra instructors!”

“There are a few places left on our adult training session on Thursday 22nd August and for Bikeability level 3 plus map reading for children in year 6 or above,” she explained. 

Leader of the Council, Councillor Mohammed Iqbal said:
“Pendle is a capital of cycling in Lancashire and we have a fantastic team of people working together to help people enjoy the freedom of cycling.

“Come and meet the friendly team which is on a mission to get people into cycling.   They could make a big difference to your life,” he said.