Volunteer Awards 2019 Finalist - Christopher Ince of Elgin Community Cycling Club

Christopher Ince is certainly no stranger to voluntary work. From running Duke of Edinburgh award groups to community service projects in Africa and Asia, he's got plenty of experience. But after aggressive prostate cancer took a toll on a life long love of cycling, Christopher felt that he could help others use riding a bike as a form of medicine. As a result of this, the Cycling UK-affiliated Elgin Community Cycle club was born.

The club was launched to cater to less experienced cyclists, many of whom may not have the confidence, skills or wish to go cycling by themselves or with a faster group. Christopher began by writing to the GPs in his local area suggesting that they may have patients suffering from physical or mental trauma who would benefit from cycling. To further spread the word, Christopher also contacted the local press and arranged for posters to be displayed around the town. 

If it wasn't for this group I would never have had the incentive to get out of the house and enjoy the thrill of cycling again

The club now meets for a fortnightly ride around the local area, with around ten cyclists regularly turning out. Several members have shown a keen interest to take a ride leader course to help even more people get cycling. As the club grows there are plans to offer a variety of rides to cater for differing levels of experience.

Christopher also provides a Bike Doctor service to ensure maintenance issues aren't a barrier to getting back into cycling.

Christopher is a finalist in the Exceptional Individual - Community Project category of the 2019 Cycling UK Volunteer Awards.