British Cycling has announced the shortlist of nominations for its Local Cycling Heroes, a campaign to recognise the work done by cycling’s grassroots volunteers across the UK.
At the top of the British Cycling tree are the full-time coaches and administrators who run the organisation and spearhead efforts like the lottery-funded performance programme that has led to Olympic medals galore in recent years.
But without the broad base of volunteers at the grassroots running clubs, marshalling races, helping out at Sky rides, using cycling to build stronger communities, getting more women and disabled people on bikes, and coaching youngsters, there would be no pinnacle for prospective Olympians to aspire to.
From almost one hundred entries, British Cycling has shortlisted 24 volunteers who each play a pivotal role in their communities by inspiring others to get the most out of their bike riding.
One rider who understands the importance of volunteers is double track world champion Becky James. Her family had their hands full caring for her severely disabled sister Bethan.
“Volunteers are essential to cycling in this country,” she says. “Without them we wouldn’t have a sport and we certainly wouldn’t have Olympic and World Champions. I know how much volunteers have helped my career, so it's great to see so many people being recognised for giving up their time for cycling. I'd urge everyone to get behind their Local Cycling Heroes and vote!”
Local Cycling Heroes will be selected from the 24 nominees by popular vote on the SkyRide website. Voting closes on Friday August 30. The individuals with the most votes will be crowned British Cycling’s Local Cycling Hero for their region and win prizes including VIP tickets to the National Track Championships in Manchester in November.
British Cycling’s Local Cycling Hero nominees
North West region
Sue Blaylock: accessible cycling champion
Sandra Green: inspiring women to take up cycling
Peter Ward: driving force behind an impressive cycle route
Yorkshire and North East region
Naz Ali: using cycling to make a difference to communities
Bill Cheadle: helping cycling stars excel
Rob Mawhood: changing the face of cycle speedway
Scotland region
Carl Lane: determined club supporter and motivator
Rich Latimer: trail builder extraordinaire
John McCracken: promoting cycling skills and confidence
Midlands region
Maryam Amatullah: challenging perceptions about women’s cycling
Ian McFadyen: charity cyclist and ride leader
Richard Smith: a leading light in transplant cycling
Central & East region
Ralph Bagge: committed Ride Leader & infrastructure campaigner
Lyn Gilbert: cycle training superstar
Roy Pink: bike repairer and enthusiast
London region
Paulo Cotrim: helping kids from all backgrounds get into BMX
Spencer Harradine: coach, organiser & advocate
Tony Harvey: making inclusive cycling a reality in East London
South East region
Annette Covey: disability cycling champion
Tom Morton: first class club cycling supporter
Shaun Reed: inspiring young people to get into cycling
South / South West / Wales region
Michele Radant: on a mission to get Devon cycling
Paul Smith: inspirational charity cyclist
John Wheat: enthusiastic social ride organiser
Police increase patrols over concerns drivers ignore no entry signs...
I did some extracts from a twitter thread and put it somewhere in drivers and their problems. Basically as you put but ended up with a star...
If plod can't get through their in their cars, then criminals will use it to evade them because heaven forbid the police should patrol on foot or...
The questions would be "who / what do the rules serve? What are we willing to pay / accept to maintain or enforce them?"...
Amnesty international is considered by Jews to be one of the most antisemitic organisations that is accepted in the western world....
I once had an Explosif in Reynolds 853 with their Project 2 fork and it was one of the best mountain bikes I've ever owned. I still think about it...
It sounds very much as if this is an argument about land rights and access, not about bikes or cars. It feels a bit like the Daily Fail whipping up...
Friday's effort
Am I right in thinking that this has been the case in NL for over half a century (or 30 years nationally)? With a brief interruption from 2003 -...
100% agree on all points! ...