We had a great meeting with Ian Carey from Cycle Sheffield this week. Having already met with Ride Sheffield we’re keen to form alliances with likeminded groups.
For those who didn’t know, Cycle Sheffield have been busy for over a decade campaigning for improvements in cycling in and around Sheffield and have the ear of the right people within Sheffield City Council. As you can appreciate cycling means many things to many people and Cycle Sheffield has mostly been focussing on urban cycling but given the variety of bikes stacked in most bike sheds you can appreciate that there is a huge overlap between Cycle Sheffield’s aims and Peak District MTB. Our reputation led before us and the group are impressed with the in-roads we’ve made; something they’ve been doing for a long time and can share our joy and frustration at some of our experiences.
It’s clear that we can work together. More cycle routes and fun, safer riding can be achieved by pooling resources and knowledge and standing together on issues such as Rushupgate can only be a good thing. In the first instance Cycle Sheffield members can become PDMTB members by signing up on the website and the group can affiliate. This means better links, consultation and seats around tables throughout the Peak District and beyond as well as more hands on deck when it comes to dig days, fundraising and so on.
Our first plan of action is already underway: looking at joining up cycle friendly routes from Sheffield out into the Peak District. We have support from Peak Horsepower as well as Ride Sheffield and Cycle Sheffield’s involvement will add weight to the issue. Watch this space for more details.
In the meantime, go over to check out Cycle Sheffield’s website. Given their group is older than some of our members their social media presence isn’t as big as ours but the website has great information about campaigns, cycle friendly routes and meetings. For those in Sheffield, join up, lend your support and explore your urban playground.
