Pendle News Room

Pendle Panthers + Cycle Sport Pendle have won this year’s Bikmo’s British Cycling Club of the Year 2023 competition and received a £1,000 prize.

Judges looked at clubs from up and down the country that champion the best in British cycling, from engaging local people to motivating club members and promoting cycling for all.

Beating 59 other entries, Pendle Panthers + Cycle Sport Pendle came through as the "clear winner" thanks to their inclusive efforts, high energy and community spirit.

Their popular cycling Summer Jam events at the Steven Burke Sports Hub near Barrowford have raised money for organisations including Sarcoma UK. 

The £1000 prize will help the Panthers invest in BMX bikes to hire out for £1 at their kid-friendly sessions, buy more full-face helmets to lend out, and maintain their existing fleet of bikes.

It will also help fund a short video to showcase two club members who have recently been selected to represent GB at the World BMX Championships in Glasgow in August.

Erika from Pendle Panthers said:

“The Pendle Panthers/Cycle Sport Pendle family are delighted to win the Bikmo’s British Cycling Club of the Year award.

"It is the culmination of an incredible year and will make such a difference to young cyclists in Pendle!”

British Cycling are also supporting the club with a Level 1 Coaching Programme, worth £1,000, to help support the club’s development.

Marcus Bloomfield, an Olympic coach for the UK BMX team, said:

“The work that Pendle Panthers have done so far in making BMX accessible to all is fantastic, and this award is testament to the hard work of their community of coaches, riders and volunteers.”

The BMX pump track has hosted sponsored rides, women’s and beginners-only sessions, raising awareness of the sport in the local area and encouraging new riders.

The Steven Burke Sports Hub is located at Swinden Playing Fields near Barrowford and can be easily accessed from Wilton Street, BB9 8PU.

For more details about the cycling tracks there, including how to book, visit: www.pendle.gov.uk/stevenburkesportshub