Kent cycling charity backs calls for £30m investment in community facilities
Cyclopark in Gravesend highlights the impact of improved facilities
A cycling charity in Kent is supporting calls for government investment in community cycling facilities, with industry leaders urging £30m to be allocated for a new phase of the Places to Ride programme.
The campaign comes after research linked the previous phase of the scheme to a £13.1 million saving for the NHS, through reduced GP and A&E visits.
The Places to Ride initiative, launched in 2019, funded over 150 community cycling projects across the UK, benefiting over half a million people and promoting physical activity, social inclusion, and mental wellbeing.
Luke Anderson, Cycling Development Manager of Cyclopark in Gravesend, explained how previous funding has helped the charity build facilities like Cycloland, a dedicated space for families and children to learn to ride, along with improved lighting for BMX and cyclocross activities.
“I would take government officials to Cycloland and tell them: if every big town had places like this, families could start cycling early. For every one of those kids who rides instead of getting into a car, that means better health, cleaner air, and less burden on the NHS,” Anderson said.
Mr Anderson also highlighted the charity's work with adapted bikes for riders with disabilities, hosting 80 rides a week led by qualified physiotherapists.
"For many participants, particularly from care homes, these sessions rank as their favourite activity of the week" he says.
The charity also runs programmes such as "learn-to-ride" sessions and offers affordable access to unique cycling facilities including mountain bike trails, a BMX track, and a play park.
British Cycling, the organisation running the Places to Ride programme, claims the next phase of funding would enable the creation of over 250 new or upgraded cycling facilities across England.
According to British Cycling, the investment would align with wider government strategies on health, inclusion, and active travel, while supporting marginalised groups. It would also unlock match funding from local authorities, charities, and commercial partners.
British Cycling is calling on the public to write to their MPs in support of this initiative, with resources for doing so available on their website.