What have other groups done?
In 2024, we supported Stonehouse Pump Track Group with a grant to deliver a Family Cycling Festival. Learn more about the impact of the event:
When did the Stonehouse pump track group start and what was the motivation for forming the group?
Stonehouse Pump Track Club was formed under a year ago although we only became a SCIO in January.
It came about as a group of parents were interested in something for the children to do in Stonehouse and who were disappointed at the old bike track becoming disused over the years so we got together to form a committee with a view to turning the old bike track into a pump track in the long term, and to promote cycling as a fun and safe activity in the short term.
What do you think are some of the barriers stopping people from cycling more in Stonehouse?
Sometimes cycling can be tricky in towns, especially for children. If they are just learning they don’t want to be on roads alongside cars, especially when some drivers can be impatient, and they aren’t meant to be on pavements along with people walking. That is why we are hoping to create a space where people can come and cycle in a safe way away from traffic.
You recently held a community event with Gear Up showcasing cycling for all ages and abilities – how did it go and what was a highlight from the day?
The recent Family Cycling Festival was a great day. It started slowly but the last few hours were very busy and we had lots of people turning up to try out the bikes and to learn about the plans for the bike track. The attendees especially enjoyed the smoothie bike where they had to use their pedal power to blend the fruit. As well as people enjoying time cycling we also gained a few new pump track club members.
What was some of the feedback from the community from the event?
The feedback was very positive and people are looking forward to the next one in a few weeks. We had one parent saying it was good to see their children doing some exercise outdoors instead of being inside on a screen.
Were there any key takeaways that will inform your group’s project going forward?
Most of the attendees of the Family Cycling Festival were already people who would cycle for fun so we are keen to attract those that maybe wouldn't initially think about cycling as a family activity so we need to try and reach those people too.
