We're pumped up for cycling!

By Sam Jones
Wednesday, 12 August 2020
Cycling UK has been touring the country documenting the nation’s new love of cycling since lockdown. The comprehensive collection of images and stories is the first of its kind and offers a unique snapshot of Britain's cycling history.
  • UK charity captures the dawn of the Golden Age of Cycling in uplifting photo series
  • A ‘historical moment in British cycling’ captured for the first time
  • Latest research shows huge increases across all England

Over 50 cyclists participated in the project from cities across the UK. Some finding themselves on a bike for the first time others making the most of quieter roads and more cycle lanes. This has been a summer cycling will never forget.

Ben Goldstean (London) got back on his bike after a stroke and has been loving his bike so much he’s even started volunteering at the local velodrome. Helen Spillard (Liverpool) lost weight rediscovering her local area during lock down, Vera Ngosi (Cardiff) became such a fan of cycling during lockdown she started her own cycling Instagram channel. For Madhavi Latha Apparala (Edinburgh) she fell for cycling after having her kids whilst disabled cyclist Ellis Palmer (Liverpool) loved his bike so much he’s even given it a name, Vinny! 

James Scott Director comments ‘These are the faces behind the percentages governments in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are recording. Through this project we have captured the moment when people from all walks of life started cycling. We know that if people see people ‘like them’ out on the roads it gives them the confidence to give a bike a try. So we wanted to show the huge diversity of people who love cycling across the UK. Cycling is not only great for your health but obviously the environment, your wallet and above all great fun. We’re pumped up to help even more people reap the benefits of travelling on two wheels.

The charity will be displaying these new stories as part of its Pumped Up campaign which aims to celebrate and support new and returning cyclists. View the full gallery here https://www.cyclinguk.org/pumpedup/portraits. The public are invited to share their own stories at #pumpedup @wearecyclinguk

ENDS

Notes to editors

Cycling UK, the national cycling charity, inspires and helps people to cycle and keep cycling, whatever kind of cycling they do or would like to do. Over a century’s experience tells us that cycling is more than useful transport; it makes you feel good, gives you a sense of freedom and creates a better environment for everyone. www.cyclinguk.org

Press contact information

For more information, please contact the national Cycling UK press office. Due to the restrictions caused by the coronavirus outbreak, currently the main press office number (01483 238 315) is not being monitored. If you would like to speak to a member of the press office during working hours (0900 - 1700) please email [email protected]. Out of hours, call 07786 320 713. 

Pumped Up Crew

Further reading