The London Borough of Hackney supports Cycling Club Hackney and Interlinkx CiC's coaching programme.
Cycle Club Hackney has a proven track record relating to the development of opportunities to be physically active through cycling. They have worked with numerous departments across the council including Hackney Housing, Sport & Leisure, Young Hackney, Public Health, and Sustainable Transport. CCH has delivered a high level of service with a long history of engaging with groups throughout the borough who'd  otherwise not experience the benefits of quality structured cycling.

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RE: Endorsement for CCH Cio
Following the 2012 Olympics, the Young Hackney Youth and School Sport unit was established to embed the legacy of the games for Hackney’s young people. More importantly, it was established it ensure that young people have the opportunity to take part in sport and physical activity and lead active, healthy lifestyles. A consultation was carried out with young people and cycling was identified as an activity that young people wanted to take part in. As part of the consultation, the barriers to participation were also identified. Several reasons were identified, including the cost of the equipment needed, lack of opportunities in a young person’s local area, and the perception of the sport not being suitable for girls and BME young people.

To develop cycling opportunities and overcome some of the identified barriers to participation, the sports unit teamed up with Cycling Club Hackney and also CCH's partner organisation Interlinkx CiC (ICiC) to develop a number of school and youth based cycling programmes listed below:

  • Tour de Hackney – a KS2 programme where pupils take part in competitive cycle competitions on static bicycle rollers. Pupils are encouraged to take part against other young people but also to try to beat their own times. This programme is a great way to introduce pupils who can’t cycle to cycling. Over 600 children take part in this annual programme.

  • Young Hackney Primary Cycle League – a monthly cycle competition involving a variety of cycling disciplines e.g. hill climb, mountain bike, grass track etc. We have over 50 young people regularly taking part in the monthly competition.

  • Youth cycle sessions in Young Hackney youth hubs – we have free cycling weekly sessions taking place in 3 of our hubs. Bikes and protective equipment are provided for young people to use. Young people receive expert coaching from CCH, and learn how to fix and maintain bicycles. For young people who want to further pursue cycling, there is opportunity for young people to then join Cycling Club Hackney and attend their sessions.
  • Cycle excursions and trips – CCH plan and lead cycle trips and excursions for young people both in and around Hackney and wider London.

These programmes have proven to be successful in engaging young people in cycling with high participation rates amongst both girls’ and boys’, and young people with additional needs. Due to the demographic of the young people who attend the Young Hackney youth sessions, we also have a high percentage of young people taking part from low income families and from BME backgrounds.

The success of these programmes is a testament to CCH and their ability to develop and implement programmes that engage young people. They have a proven track record and consistently deliver results. The sports unit and CCH have developed a strong working relationship; the activities CCH deliver on behalf of the sports unit are inclusive, fun and safe, and address some of the needs young people identified at the end of London 2012.

Cycling is a popular sport within the borough, it has a unique appeal and ability to attract young people of all ages, and abilities. However, there is still work to be done in ensuring that all young people in the borough can engage in cycling either competitively, for means of transport or for leisure; this is especially true for young people who are from low, income backgrounds or with an additional need.

Young Hackney and Hackney Council recognises the positive impact cycling can have on the lives of young people. Engagement in cycling leads to improved physical health and well-being, it can raise aspirations as well as lead to improvements in self-confidence, social awareness and self-esteem. The programmes CCH deliver consistently deliver these outcomes for young people and as a result we fully endorse them as an organisation.

Young Hackney and Hackney Council would like to give its full support to CCH/ ICiC’s plans for growing cycling within the borough.

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