Bedford Mums get on their bike thanks to new project

Posted on 30th January 2018

Sustrans, the charity that's making it easier than ever to walk and cycle, is delivering a new project to get Bedford cycling! Funded by Bedford Borough Council, the Eileen Alexander Legacy Fund and the County Sports Partnership; teamBEDS&LUTON offered training and advice to people who may be new to cycling via Biker Tots.

The 'Learn to Cycle' course was available since September and has already helped a group of 15 Asian women in the Queens Park area of Bedford. At Allen Park, Michelle Carty from Biker Tots has been giving the ladies lessons using adult balance bikes – normally used to teach children.

The women couldn't afford a bicycle of their own so Sustrans linked them into a free recycled bike scheme. This will also give them the option of purchasing children's bikes for a reduced price too. At the end of the course it is expected that 6 women will be set up with bikes to continue cycling.

The women use Whatsapp to communicate with one another. This helps them to plan their activities and give support and encouragement to each other.

Speaking about the project Siobhan McSwiggan from Sustrans said; "Working alongside our partners teamBEDS&LUTON we're delivering a project which is all about giving people the skills and the confidence to take part in cycling. We've had a great start and many of the women who've taken part feel really positive about the course. Many said they found the experience challenging but rewarding and were surprised that they'd found something they enjoy doing in the rain!"

'The Coaching Development Manager at team BEDS&LUTON has been working closely with a group of ladies from Bedford as part of the 'REACH into Bedford' (women and coaching) project. These ladies mentioned that they would love to be able to ride a bike so with the help of Sustrans, Bedford Borough Council, Biker Tots and the Eileen Alexander Legacy Fund this was made possible. It has been a fantastic project to be involved in and demonstrates the impact partnership working can have upon local communities. Thank you to everyone involved.'

Please visit www.sustrans.org.uk for more information about the work we do.