Volunteer Awards 2019 Finalist - North Liverpool Cycling Project

By Tom Page
Group of cyclist from North Liverpool Cycling Project
Cyclists from North Liverpool Cycling Project prepare to go riding
The North Liverpool Cycle Project is a finalist in the Best Community Project category for the 2019 Cycling UK Volunteer Awards. The North Liverpool Cycle Project has been delivering cycling activities to people from a variety of backgrounds for a number of years and is helping young people overcome barriers with the help of cycling.

Cycling UK-affiliated group The North Liverpool Cycle Project was founded several years ago with the aim to get more local people involved in cycling. The project offers a variety of events to suit all abilities, no matter what their background. One of the main aims of the project is to develop a hub where locals can drop in to have a chat with like-minded people and get a bit of advice and help with their bikes.

The project "has gone from strength to strength"  and now offers regular community bike rides, Dr Bike sessions and annual events, such as the Santa Cycle. For this popular event, cyclists ride from Liverpool City Centre to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital. Each rider brings a gift with them to be donated to the hospital at the end of the ride. Up to 300 people turn out for this event each year.

The project also works alongside the local police force to provide a mountain bike refurbishment and trail skills programme. This is delivered to young people at risk of engaging in anti-social behaviour, knife crime or facing other issues, such as social isolation. The young people attend eight weekly cycle maintenance sessions before completing a community engagement activity.  

Upon completion, the young people and their families attend an awards evening where they are presented with their refurbished bikes (originally donated by the police from seized stock) and certificates. This project and its volunteers recently received a commendation at the Local Police Reward and Recognition Ceremony. It has made a huge impact upon the local community by helping to break down postcode barriers, develop teamwork and introduce young people to new skills in a safe and positive environment. The young people now receive a nationally recognised Basic Maintenance Qualification from Cycling UK and the top two participants from each cohort will be trained as Young Mountain Bike Leaders.

The North Liverpool Cycle Project is a finalist in Cycling UK's 'Best Community Project' award category.

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