The pilot scheme of a new community cycling initiative run by LiveWire has been hailed a ‘massive success’.
The pilot scheme of a new community cycling initiative run by LiveWire has been hailed a ‘massive success’.
The new scheme – Warrington Community Bike Project – was a first for the borough and got underway late last year following a £3.5K grant from the Cheshire Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane.
The project teaches young people bicycle maintenance skills – with participants being given their rebuilt bike to keep at the end of the six-week course.
The project is a partnership between LiveWire, Warrington Police and Cycling Projects – a Warrington-based charity enabling all to be active regardless of ability through the mode of cycling. The project aims to help build community cohesion, promote cycling as a form of getting active and to reduce anti-social behaviour.
Participants renovate and repair a reclaimed bike over a six week period, under the guidance of expert technicians. At the end of the project they will get to keep the bikes and receive a certificate of attendance.
Three pupils from Culcheth High School recently completed the course, with the next wave of the project already underway involving students from Penketh High School and adult learners McIntyre’s Greater Communities scheme.
The latest programme has a number of new elements being introduced including imput from Cheshire Fire & Rescue on road safety and first aid and their ‘Pedal Smart’ initiative.
Paul Flannery, Community Sports Development Officer for LiveWire said: “The first bike project was a massive success. The engagement from all participants was brilliant. This project has given participants some key life skills. The technicians on the project and volunteers are overwhelmed by the success of this project. There has been a lot of interest in the project and we are confident that it can grow further throughout 2020.”
One pupil who took part said: “The bike project was great. I learned lots of different skills. The staff were very friendly and made us all feel welcome.”
