Here’s to having a ‘wheel-y’ good time at Witton!

Head to Witton Park on a Tuesday lunchtime, and you’re likely to see a big group of cyclists having a whole lot of fun. 

‘Pedal Round the Park’ is a free, guided cycle session for the whole community, provided by the Council’s health and wellbeing service, re:fresh. Its register of 150 people (and counting) is down to the involvement of a group that empowers marginalised communities, led by Saima Afzal MBE, called S.A.S Rights.  

Breaking down barriers faced by minoritised women in the borough is the key aim of S.A.S Rights.  

Set beliefs often limit women from South Asian and other orthodox faith backgrounds from taking part in exercise such as cycling,

says Saima, who strongly believes that all sport, including dance, should be easily accessible to everyone.  

Re:fresh, Together an Active Future and Cycling UK agree, and have been instrumental in supporting Saima and her team with their vision to ensure women have the access, facilities and support they need to take part in cycling sessions and elevate their abilities.  

Originally, re:fresh worked with S.A.S Rights to ensure that the women were able to use the facilities and equipment at Witton Park. Since then, the success of the group has cascaded, with their session becoming a regular event in the calendar, based at the Active Outdoors Hub. Bikes have now been donated by Together an Active Future and helmets have been acquired by Saima herself. Cycling UK via a project called the Big Bike Revival Programme have provided funding and support to the work of S.A.S Rights too. This has contributed to volunteer expenses, to ensure that those who give generously of their time to teach the women how to cycle, prepare refreshments or undertake outreach recruitment are compensated.  

Refreshments, I hear you say! That’s right, after almost every session, refreshments are provided for everyone to enjoy together. This brings an opportunity for all members of the group to sit down and discuss their experiences in a safe space, which has brought newfound confidence to the women and solid friendships too. 

This year, the group are taking things to the next level and will be acknowledged by Cycling UK with official community cycling club status. Called S.A.S. Rights – Dare to Get Active – Community Cycling Club, this will mean that members can receive further education on maintaining bikes as well as training, to ensure they are empowered to lead groups themselves. And of course, fits perfectly with S.A.S Rights’ aim to put women at the forefront of designing and delivering projects.  

For regulars Shagufta, Hamida, and Jamila, the weekly cycling sessions have made a huge difference to their health and confidence.  

I retired 18 months ago, and cycling was on my bucket list. It gets me out of the house, and the sessions have a real community feel,

says Shagufta.  

In our culture, you cycle as a child but not really beyond that, so doing this with like-minded people is fantastic,

adds Hamida.  

The best bit is, you don’t need any equipment – it’s all provided for you,

remarks Jamila.  

For those less confident, the sessions offer trikes and adapted bikes, making cycling accessible for everyone.  

I hadn’t been on a bike for 25 years. The fresh air does me the world of good, and I’ve lost a lot of weight too,

says Yasmin, who has been attending for a year now.  

One of the volunteers leading the sessions is Bob Gower.  

After being diagnosed with heart failure, Bob underwent major heart surgery and was referred to re:fresh for rehabilitation.  

Now, any journey under 10 miles is done by bike, you’ll often spot him cycling around Blackburn. His leadership has been crucial to ensuring that the women can learn a new skill in a fun and cohesive environment. 

And the good news? By the end of the year, there’ll be even more cycling routes that everyone can explore in the borough!  

Six active travel routes – for walking, wheeling and cycling – are being improved throughout South East Blackburn, adding to the existing Weavers Wheel network and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath.  

It’s time to get practising!  

To find out more about the variety of free or low-cost sessions available at Witton Park and beyond, check out re:fresh. 

And Cycling UK have the next Big Bike Revival project beginning in April which you can look out for. It provides free activities, training, and bike repairs to both beginners and those returning to cycling. There are several groups taking part in Blackburn with Darwen. Head to the Big Bike Revival project website to find out more.  

And, for even more cycling inspiration, we’re working with Love To Ride who have a dedicated Blackburn with Darwen website to encourage more experienced riders to get on their bikes.