Local Cycling UK group volunteers help put Stevenage on the map

By Julie Rand
Friday, 12 October 2018
Volunteers presenting a map
L to R: Kate Jenkins from the Cycle Hub and Andy Walker of Stevenage Hub Customer Experience receive the map from volunteers Jim and Jill Borcherds and Tina Walker from Cycling UK Stevenage. Photo: Tina Walker
Our volunteers are doing amazing things up and down the country to enable others to enjoy the pleasures of cycling. This can range from putting on rides and events to local campaigning to raising money for cycling causes. Recently, three members of one of our most active local groups, Cycling UK Stevenage, handed over a map of cycle routes to Stevenage Cycle Hub that they purchased with funds generated by the group's Start of Summertime Specials Challenge Rides back in March 2018

The Start of Summertime Specials rides saw people taking on challenges from 60km to 200km in the beautiful countryside of Hertfordshire, Essex and Cambridgeshire on the first day of official British Summertime Sunday 25 March 2018.

With money generated by the event, which was enjoyed by hundreds of riders and put on by a team of willing volunteers from local Member Group Cycling UK Stevenage, led by Jill and Jim Borcherds, the group generously decided to donate a brand new poster-size map of routes in the area.

The map was produced and printed on the group's behalf by Stevenage Borough Council and will be displayed on a wall at the newly opened Stevenage Cycle Hub for use even when the hub is not open. Printed copies are also available from the hub during its opening hours Wednesday to Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 9:30am-4pm.

Kate Jenkins from the Cycle Hub and Andy Walker of Stevenage Hub Customer Experience received the map from Jim and Jill and Tina Walker, chair of Cycling UK Stevenage at a presentation on Saturday 6 October.

Jill Borcherds with the poster displayed on the wall of the Cycle Hub

Stevenage Cycle Hub offers bike hire, cycle training for adults and children, short, guided rides for all and sales of cycling accessories. The facility is funded by Stevenage Borough Council, along with a small grant from Sport England and considerable in-kind support from Watford Cycle Hub (who will be operating Stevenage Cycle Hub too).

It is located at Fairlands Valley Country Park in Stevenage, where the Cycling UK Stevenage Challenge Rides start from in March and October every year. 

Jim and Jill’s great idea is one we’d love to replicate at each of the Cycle Hubs! 

Kate Jenkins, Stevenage Cycle Hub

Kate Jenkins said: "Jim and Jill’s great idea is one we’d love to replicate at each of the Cycle Hubs!  Sincere appreciation and really looking forward to forging stronger relationships between Cycling UK Stevenage, Stevenage Borough Council and the Cycle Hub, collectively working together to support cyclists and would-be cyclists in the area." 

Well done to all involved, the map will benefit many people in the area who will find it easier to get around by bike. If you are interested in helping at the hub as a volunteer, call in and have a chat with Andy.

Summertime reversed

The final big Cycling UK Stevenage event of this season, and the last event in Cycling UK's Challenge Ride Series 2018 is Emitremmus, which will be held on the day the clocks change back on Sunday 28 October. There is a choice of 67 km or 100 km rides costing just £9 (£7 for Cycling UK for members); £15 on the day. 

If you could help out with running Emitremmus, please contact the organiser Tina Walker.

Cycling UK Stevenage runs rides on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year for all ages and abilities. 

If you'd like to volunteer with a local cycling group, take a look at our volunteering pages. 

 

Campaigner and activist Local groups and cycling clubs Volunteering for Cycling UK

Downloads

Stevenage Cycle Map

Further reading