Cycling can fill many roles including:

• Most sports are competitive (football, cricket, athletics’, basketball are all team sports where the object of the game is to win). Cycling falls in to both camps as it can be competitive (Cycling was Great Britain’s’ second most successful sport in the 2004 Olympics ((source British Olympic Association web site)) yet it can be none competitive by riding in the countryside. Some young people may not like sports because they are not good at it and do not want to be shown up for not being competitive. This is where cycling can be advantageous and encompasses the none competitive.
• Enhances relationships between young people and youth workers.
• Cycling in groups is a great way to develop team spirit in a none threatening competitive environment and does not allow a bully to have a reason to start bullying.
• Obesity is a major concern and cycling is the best way to fight obesity. House of Commons, Health Committee Third Report of Session 2003-04, Volume 1, Published 27 May 2004 on Obesity Said “If the Government were to achieve its target of trebling cycling in the period 2000-2010 (and there are few signs that it will) that might achieve more in the fight against obesity than any other individual measure we recommend in this report”

• In the Department of Health’s Publication “Tackling Health Inequalities, A programme for Action” the two most common suggested physical activities are cycling and walking.
• In the Department for Health publication “At least 5 a week, evidence on the impact of physical activity and its relationship to health” it looks at the common types of physical activities and of the ones with moderate intensity cycling at 10-12 mph was the most beneficial.
• Builds confidence
• Social inclusion.

Crank it Up offer youth clubs various types of sessions ranging from fun sessions using a range of unusual bikes that can be used for many leisure rides, competitive training in various cycling disciplines, on road cycle training to National Standards through to cycle maintenance & repair workshops.

Please contact us with your needs or ideas.