Published Thursday 30 September 2021 at 15:05
Learn to Ride classes in Corporation Park have been a fantastic success.
The five week summer course, funded by Sport England via Canals and Rivers Trust, gathered over 40 women participants who can now pedal unaided. Some had never been on a bike before, others hadn’t cycled since childhood.
Blackburn with Darwen’s Assistant Executive Member for Growth and Development, Councillor Zainab Rawat said: “I’m really delighted to hear that the classes have been so popular. I’m proud to have helped to facilitate the funding to enable our community to be more active. Everyone should be able to enjoy our parks and beautiful green spaces, everyday walking and cycling can help us to maintain a healthy weight, as well as enhance our mental health.”
Blackburn resident, Saira, said:
“I recommend these classes to anyone. I have to thank local Councillor Rawat and all involved with arranging these classes for us. I hope there will be more opportunities in the future like this for me to get on a bike again, it has been an amazing experience.”
Read more about Saira’s experience below
Funding
The Tackling Inequalities Fund from Sport England via the Canals and Rivers Trust enabled Corporation Park Supporters Group (CPSG) to offer the free cycling lessons in the park. Former CPSG chair Helen Voegt made a successful bid and Cllr Rawat engaged with members of the local community to stir interest.
Covid restrictions hampered efforts to get the course underway but that did not diminish the enthusiasm of those interested in learning to cycle. Over the summer, current CPSG chair Nicola Beswick organised the weekly hour-long sessions for small groups on the Broadwalk in Corporation Park. Cycle coaching, bikes and helmets were provided by GoVelo, as well as the help of patient instructor Emma McCloughlin.
A new cycling course will begin on Monday 11th October thanks to GoVelo and funding from BwD Adult Learning. The course is open to those on the previous course wishing to build on their new skills, and also to beginners wishing to learn from scratch. Coaching, bikes and helmets will be provided by GoVelo. Session are 1 hour long in groups of up to 8 people. For more information contact Nicola Beswick.
Saira’s story:
“The Learn to Ride classes have been very beneficial and much appreciated to myself and others, as I haven’t cycled since a very young age. I’m very grateful for these lessons, because it’s given myself and others a chance to get back on a bike.
At first I struggled to get my balance, but after just a few tries I was riding the bike like I had never forgotten.
These lessons have made me very happy, given me a chance to get out and do something for myself, make friends and gain a little confidence.
My children haven’t cycled since they were young either, so this has given me a chance to get them interested in riding bikes again. It also gives us a chance to take bike rides together as a family.
It’s very good for staying fit, for both your mental and physical health. I recommend these classes to anyone. I was gutted on the last day – but I learned a lot. I have to thank our Councillor Zainab Rawat, and all involved with arranging these classes for us.
I hope there will be more opportunities in the future like this for me to get on a bike again, it has been an amazing experience.”