Cycle rides for all ages and abilities
The South Staffordshire Cycling Scheme aims to promote cycling as a fun and safe way to stay active and healthy. We have developed routes and rides for all ages and cycling abilities across South Staffordshire.
These rides are ideal for people who are new to cycling or those who are a bit out of practice.
Take a look at what’s on offer – download the PDF
South Staffordshire Cycling Scheme
Cycling is the third most popular recreational activity in the UK, and it’s not hard to see why. It can bring many benefits to the individual, the community and environment, read on to find out more.
Introduction
The South Staffordshire Cycling Scheme aims to promote cycling as a fun and safe way to stay active and healthy. We have organised routes and rides for all ages and cycling abilities across South Staffordshire. Joining one of our bike rides could give you the confidence to cycle more in your day to day routine. Commute to work or bike the children to school; beat the traffic, help the environment, improve your fitness and make new friends at the same time.
Our rides are ideal for people who are new to cycling or those who are a bit out of practice but don’t know where to start.
This scheme is free of charge thanks to funding from The South Staffordshire Strategic Partnership and Sport England. We have also been very fortunate to receive discounts and donations from several organisations and individuals including Dave’s Cycles, Halfords Cycles, IMT Print, Garmin, Pro Vision Cycle Clothing and sponsorship from The Wrekin Housing Trust.
Why cycle?
The South Staffordshire Cycling Scheme wants to encourage people of all ages to get on their bikes; read on to find out how cycling can enrich you health and wellbeing.
Cardiovascular Fitness– according to the British Medical Association cycling just 20 minutes a week can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by 50%, so why not use your bike for all those shorter journeys and improve your heart health at the same time.
Fat burning– cycling eats those calories; even at a steady pace cycling burns 300 calories per hour. Since it helps to build muscle, cycling will also boost your metabolic rate even after you’ve finished your ride.
Stress reducing-getting on your bike, going outside and getting some fresh air is perfect to help you focus and recharge those batteries after a long day or week.
Strength– it’s not just about the legs, cycling involves every part of the body gradually improving general muscle function in the arms, abs and perfect for toning the glutes!
Disease prevention and management– research has shown that cycling regularly reduces the risk of bowl cancer and cycling daily can prevent and manage type 2 diabetes as cardio exercise increases muscle’s ability to utilise glucose more efficiently.
Easy on the joints– cycling places little stress on the joints, it is great for hip mobility and knee joints, ideal if you have osteoarthritis.
Cycle routes
We have rides available in 5 locations across South Staffordshire. All our routes, though they vary in length, are all at the leisurely pace across fairly even terrain and most include a stop off at a local cafe for some refreshments and a chance to chat.
Download the PDF with Jan & Feb 2017 rides
Penkridge Bike Rides
Starting at 10.00 at the Haling Dean Centre, there are several routes on offer; the route chosen will depend on the confidence and experience of the riders who come along with the aim of building the skills of the less experienced rider.
Brewood Bike Rides
Starting at 10.00 from the Stafford Road car park these rides are a great way to explore the local countryside taking in quiet lanes where riders can watch wildlife undisturbed and enjoy the scenery before returning to the village for some well earned refreshments.
Cheslyn Hay Bike Rides
Starting at 10.00 from the Leisure Centre, there a variety of routes on offer to develop the skills and confidence of the novice rider, and those a little out of practice. The riders will be able to explore this pretty village and that of neighbouring Great Wyrley and Landywood.
Codsall Bike Rides
Starting at 10.00 am from the Bakers Way car park WV8 1PT there are a number of routes that take us around the village of Codsall and beyond, it’s ideal for those wanting to take a leisurely ride in an area they know.
Wombourne Bike Rides
Starting at 10.00 am from the railway cafe lower car park off Bratch lane the Wombourne rides will take in various routes in and around the village, a village steeped with history and beauty.
Who we are
The South Staffordshire Cycling Scheme started as a team of two, Neil Postins and April Lewis, a partnership that was formed early in 2015 around a common interest, cycling. They were successful in getting funding from the South Staffordshire Strategic Partnership to develop and deliver a cycling scheme and on the 1st April 2015 the South Staffordshire Cycling Scheme came into being.
In November 2015 we trained 5 volunteer ride leaders to help us develop and lead the rides and in March 2016 we trained 5 more and in October we trained another 8.Through their skills, knowledge and enthusiasm we have supported over 400 riders during our first 18 months, the youngest being just 4 years old and the “youngest at heart” is an impressive 82 years old. We have worked with 6 youth projects and helped their young people to achieve their cycling badges.
In September 2016 we were successful in getting funding from Sport England to expand the scheme into two other areas of South Staffordshire and in the same month The Wrekin Housing Trust very generously offered to sponsor us to buy winter cycling tops for 5 of our ride leaders so the rides could continue through the colder months.
“I joined the SSCS in June 2015 after not riding a bike for over 2 years, it was the best thing I did. With the support and encouragement from the ride leaders my riding skills improved. I am now a ride leader for the scheme and it gives me great pleasure to pass what I have learnt onto others” Tanya Newman
“Join this scheme, you won’t regret it, it’s the best thing I ever did!” Chris Pile
April Lewis
Community Interest Company
Email: info@aprillewis.co.uk
Web site: www.aprillewis.co.uk