STEPs (Meet, Move, Mend, Repeat)

A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

STEPs (Meet, Move, Mend, Repeat) Community Cycle Group, affiliated with Cycling UK. 

Research shows that physical activity can have a hugely positive impact upon mental health as well as the use of various forms of mind and body activity to facilitate coaching input. 

With this in mind Ian Enright, a keen cyclist himself, has developed an optional cycling element to the STEPs project at ‘developmentplus.org.uk’ based in Lincoln. This has been possible through an extension to the STEPs project funding along with additional financial support from Cycling UK.

Some of Ian’s wellbeing participants are not involved in the cycle rides and some of the riders are not involved in the one-to-one wellbeing mentoring.

STEPs is a friendly group, comprising some participants who have experienced significant adversity or challenge in their lives, with a view to getting out into the beautiful Lincolnshire Countryside and enjoying each-others company, whilst developing cycling skills and confidence.

Some group members rely on their bike as their sole form of transport and Ian has been able to help out with sourcing two or three bikes, funding repairs and providing items such as locks, lights and reflective gear.

STEPs has hosted skill share events looking at different aspects of cycling throughout the seasons, together with a Christmas lunch and a recent wellbeing day. Five group leaders have also been trained last September with the help of Cycling UK.

Ian says “we market the group as everyday cycling for everyday people, going about it in day-to-day clothing and on a right mix of bikes, including one or two e-bikes – we’re just about having a bit of fun on our bikes trying to recapture the spirit of pootling on our bikes when we were kids, in as carefree and fun a way as we can muster! We can also fund free coffee and cake at our all-important refreshment stop”. Currently out of a pool of about 20 attendees, 10-12 attend most rides.

For more information contact Ian Enright

Tel: 07534 444601 

Email: ian.enright@developmentplus.org.uk

developmentplus.org.co.uk is a key Community Development charity in Lincolnshire.

Queens Park Community Hub, Lincoln, LN5 8EW