David Malkin – volunteer assistant at an all-ability cycling centre
Full name, occupation, area you live in and name of group or activity you support
David Malkin, retired, Edinburgh ABC (All-ability Bike Centre).
What made you decide to volunteer your skills with Cycling UK or a Cycling UK-registered group?
A recommendation from a friend.
How much time are you able to commit?
Three afternoons a week.
Which activity or activities do you support?
Edinburgh ABC, located at Bangholm Outdoor Centre in the north of the city.
What is the greatest challenge you have encountered?
Dealing with people of all ages, abilities, disabilities, backgrounds and personalities.
Describe a typical day in your volunteer role
Cycle to centre, unload bikes from containers, await cyclists, meet and greet cyclists, helmet cyclists, help them onto bikes, ride, help cyclists dismount, collect helmets, load bikes into container, cycle home.
It'’ not a matter of pride, it’s a matter of being human, helping other human beings feel good. It’s not about the volunteer, it’s about the cycling and the cyclists
David Malkin, volunteer with Edinburgh ABC
Of all the tasks you have helped with, what are you most proud of?
It’s not a matter of pride, it’s a matter of being human, helping other human beings feel good. It’s not about the volunteer, it’s about the cycling and the cyclists.
What do you get out of the experience of volunteering?
It makes me feel good as a human being. You meet great people, you become part of their lives.
What would you say to someone considering volunteering with Cycling UK or its local groups supporting cycling?
Do it! You’ll get more out of it than you put in. It will make you a better person.
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