The idea
Although there are various services of sport centres and community youth centres in Barnet, we haven't found any that is quite like our project, aiming to combine cycle training and social get-togethers to build friendships and improve skills.
Barnet has a high obesity rate, and it is rising, especially amongst children; 17.5% of year 6 pupils are classed as obese and spend less than 3 hours in school sport. Rate of smoking is also higher than the average in England; 17% of adults are smokers.
We have conducted a survey in Barnet to 200 people including our own beneficiaries. We have found that most of our survey participants (ages 14-25) are inactive, doing less than 4 hours of sport per week. We have also found that while there is demand for a sports related activity, most of the participants said that they would only consider such an activity if it was "fun", "engaging" and "offered a social aspect" which brought us here to plan an activity responding needs.
What we'll deliver
- Purchase of 10 bicycles which will be used by the community members by taking turns.
- Safe Cycle training at the weekends to train up to 30 people annually.
- Low-cost bicycle hire option for the community on available days.
Why it's a great idea
Barnet people need regular sports and more social platforms where they can enjoy and achieve as a family. This project is an option for people who cannot afford paying for bicycles and training. The participants will come and complete the sessions in their age group or as a family once per week. Each participant will take a training session of a minimum of one hour before independent cycling and then they can cycle in safe locations until they are fully ready to ride on streets. The sessions will be at the weekends. We will employ an experienced and qualified instructor who will deliver the sessions with two other voluntary assistants. We believe that the project will be very interactive; social; rewarding; enjoyable; and personalised.
Steps to get it done
- We will buy 20 bicycles, hire an instructor and recruit two volunteers.
- 60 people will socialise, be more active and learn cycling safely.
