This year the Sustrans Derby Rangers have been organising monthly led rides in and around Derby with the goal of getting more people to cycle. As volunteers we wanted the rides to be a fun and sociable events for people who already knew how to cycle but needed some encouragement.
At the beginning of March we only had two attendees but after that things improved and we regularly had around 15 riders. Similarly, we’ve grown from two volunteers with ride management training to four – which means we can split a larger group in two.
When we were out and about we followed a mixture of routes along traffic-free sections of the National Cycle Network and quiet roads. We used Route 6 to Elvaston Castle and to Swarkestone, as well as Mickleover Greenway and Breadsall Greenway which are both sections of the same disused railway line.
We sent out a survey to all participants and they told us that they really valued the social aspect of the rides as well as giving them the chance to get some exercise! Almost everyone said that the rides had encouraged them to do more cycling this year which is great news!
I think everyone enjoyed running the rides, even if it was hard work at times. We are taking a break over the winter but we have started planning our calendar for next year. We’re always keen for more people to join us so please get in touch if you’d like to be involved in next year’s rides. Email: derbysustrans@gmail.com or Follow @SustransEMids on Facebook.