Council’s £8,000 UKSPF funding means continued free RideWise sessions at Eastwood’s Coronation Park

RideWise set up a new cycle hub at Eastwood’s Coronation Park in 2023, with the aim of delivering the health and cost benefits that active transport provides. With its large size, ample traffic-free paths and close proximity to residential areas, the park is the perfect location to offer cycle training, confidence-building sessions and Dr Bike repair sessions.

The free sessions have seen families and individuals of all ages learning to ride or brushing up on their cycling skills. RideWise can loan people bikes and helmets to use during the sessions.

The free sessions have generated a renewed interest in bikes, leading many local residents to decide that their current bikes are no longer fit for purpose. These bikes can be passed on to RideWise who use them to train Dr Bike volunteers or restore them and donate them to others. 

This long-term project has been successful in building awareness and interest locally and in attracting new participants. It is actively improving road safety and confidence as well as helping low-income households with bike maintenance and supporting members of the local community who wish to develop useful mechanical skills. 

So far, the programme has helped over 100 people learn to ride a bicycle and has got 6 residents involved in volunteering for the programmes. The Dr Bike team have repaired over 60 bicycles, putting them back into use.

Cycling is a great way to enjoy Broxtowe and other areas of the UK too. Not only can it keep you fit and healthy but it can help improve mental health and general wellbeing as well. It is also good for the planet and can save you money on transport costs.

Leader of Broxtowe Borough Council and Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Asset Management, Councillor Milan Radulovic MBE said, ‘I’m very pleased that we can support the RideWise sessions in Eastwood. Getting outdoors and being active is so important to wellbeing. Being able to ride a bike confidently opens up many opportunities, from getting fit to enjoying a low cost transport option. Who knows, we may inspire the next Dame Laura Kenny or Tom Pidcock.’ 

Kylie Parr, RideWise Project Manager said, ‘We are really pleased to have the opportunity to offer free cycling sessions to those who are wanting to learn to ride or gain more confidence on their bikes. It's been great seeing families and individuals of all ages come down and use the opportunity to learn new skills or develop their confidence on a bike. Cycling is brilliant for all ages and abilities, it's fun, affordable and a brilliant way to explore.’

You can find out more about the RideWise programme at www.RideWise.org.uk/Whats-on (Opens in a new window)

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is UK Government funded and Broxtowe Borough Council has been allocated a total of £2,584,477 over a three-year period 2022-25. Activity funded in 2024/5 includes local business, skills and community projects, including a set of community grant-funded projects.