A new community cycling club based at Lightwoods Park in Bearwood is looking for budding cyclists and volunteers to run sessions.

Lightwoods Community Cycle Club aims to encourage and support local people to start cycling or to take it up again. The club meets on Wednesdays, with a "get back into cycling" instructor-led ride to build confidence followed by a session for those who can't ride but want to learn.
 
Currently the sessions are for adults only but the aim is to develop the club so children’s sessions can also take place in the near future.
 
The club has been formed by Sandwell Council, Cycling UK the national cycling charity, Healthy Sandwell, Benson Community Project, TfWM and staff at Lightwoods Park and House. Sandwell Council's cabinet member for leisure, Councillor Bill Gavan, said:

"This is a great opportunity for people to either get back into cycling or learn for the first time. If you don't own a bike don't worry, we have some available to borrow. It's a good way of getting back in the saddle before committing to buying a bike.
 
"We also need volunteers who would be willing to lead sessions so we can expand the club and get more people involved and enjoying cycling."
 
The get back into cycling sessions are held on a Wednesday between 10am and 11.15am and the learn to ride sessions are also Wednesdays 11.30am until 12.45pm. Lesley Easter, Cycling UK’s Cycling Development Officer for the West Midlands added:

“There are so many benefits to giving cycling a go, whether for the first time or after a break. It’s fantastic low-impact exercise, reduces your carbon footprint and can save money, too.

“The Lightwoods Community Cycle Club will be open to anyone interested in riding a bike. We’ll offer safety advice, confidence-building support and even help you formulate local routes.”
  
Booking is essential and bikes are available to borrow free of charge. For more information, to volunteer to lead bike rides or to book a place, call Lightwoods House on 0121 569 4141 or via email.