Cycling Ulster Monthly Update – January 2025 🚴♂️
As we kick off 2025, there’s plenty of exciting progress across schools, youth programmes, road and off-road disciplines!
Read on for the latest developments and upcoming opportunities.
🚸 Schools & Youth Programmes
- Working with Lisburn and Carryduff Primary Schools to deliver Balance and Pedal Bike sessions using Carryduff Leisure Centre’s indoor facilities.
- Mid-Term Belfast Cycle Skills & Balance Bike Sessions: Four sessions per day over four days, funded by Belfast City Council
- Expanding into a Youth Group in West Belfast in collaboration with VC Glendale Cycling Club.
- South Lake Leisure Centre could soon host an after-school club using their trails and pump track.
🚵 MTB Development
- MTB sessions are now running every six weeks, with 80 kids participating to date.
- Spring Camp planned March 12-14 in Mid Ulster (Davagh), featuring female-led sessions.
- Exploring racing opportunities for advanced riders and looking into the Off-Road Development Squad in consultation with Off-road Commission.
🚴 Track Success
- Two successful track camps in Glasgow during December for young youth development and U16/Junior riders.
- Positive feedback from parents & great rider progress!
- Future focus: More “Come and Try” days and track development at Orangefield to prepare for potential indoor track opportunities in Dublin.
🛣️ Road Cycling Progress
- Push to fund circuit-based sessions for young riders.
- Emphasis on bunch riding, race craft, and technical skills in a safe environment.
🔧 Trail Maintenance & Advocacy
- Trail Maintenance Pilot Course coming this March in partnership with Mid Ulster Council.
- Ongoing discussions with MLAs on securing better MTB & Gravel trail access.
- Exploring a multi-sport facility at Maze and other sites.
🌍 Competitive Outlook – Commonwealth Games 2026 & Community Games
- Preparations underway for Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026 – expression of interest (EOI) out by mid-February.
- County finals for Community Games 2025 set for pre-Easter, with National Finals on May 25.
🛡️ Safeguarding, First Aid & Training
- Online Safeguarding Workshops – 1 completed, 2 more scheduled for Feb & April.
- Cycling-specific First Aid Courses:
- Feb 8-9 (Women on Wheels)
- April 5-6 (Open to CU members)
- Clubs are rolling out Bike Skills & Balance Bike training across Ulster!
🏗️ Club Development & Funding
- Meeting soon regarding new cycling fund for East Belfast—more to come!
- Supporting Ulster clubs with funding, membership, and volunteer engagement.
🚴♂️ Together, we’re making great strides in growing cycling across Ulster. Stay tuned for more updates, and get involved where you can!
🔗 Follow us on social media for real-time updates!
Best,
Cycling Ulster Team
