Community & Leisure - News
Cyclists look at the road ahead
07 February 2008
Shetland may see more cyclists on the roads and some fun cycle events organised this summer, following last night's public meeting in Lerwick, on the 'Future of cycling in Shetland'.
Around 20 people took part in the meeting, that was organised by members of the Shetland Wheelers Cycling Club, where wide-ranging discussions took place on how to develop the sport of cycling in Shetland. Topics included the public perception of cycling as a sport, information about training sessions, entry routes to the sport, coach training programmes and the possibility of organising more local cycle events aimed at wider audience.
The Club's current activities are based around time-trials and road race training throughout the summer months. Club members agreed that they would like to see more people involved and that the Club could broaden the appeal of the sport by promoting more introductory sessions open to beginners. Discussions also took place about the possible support from the national governing body for the sport, Scottish Cycling, who could help to train coaches and assist with development projects here.
Those people who attended the meeting came from a range of backgrounds, including long-distance cycling, road racing, time-trialling and some recreational cyclists with young families. There was also mention of links with a soon to be formed triathlon group, that also includes cycling as one of the three disciplines of the sport, alongside swimming and running. Mountain biking was also discussed briefly, although there seems to be very few people in Shetland with any significant experience in this area, and few known routes in the isles.
Andrew Grant of the Shetland Wheelers Cycling Club commented "This was a really enthusiastic meeting and it was good to hear so many views on how we can develop cycling in Shetland. The Club is keen to organise more sessions over the coming months to attract and welcome novices to our sport."
Much discussion took place around the subject of 'Sportives' - a phenomenon of mass-participation cyle events that are now regularly taking place across the UK. These events are the cycling equivalent of 'fun runs' or road races where members of the public challenge themselves to complete a set distance at their own pace, often raising money for charity in the process. With the success of charity running events in Shetland in recent years, it was felt that a local cycle 'Sportive' this summer could also be popular and a small working group will be set up to investigate options.
Bob Kerr, Sports Development Officer with Shetland Islands Council, added - "Shetland has some really dedicated cyclists who have enjoyed many previous successes on the Scottish Mainland and at the Island Games. There are some fantastic routes for cycling in Shetland and it's great to see such interest from individuals who wish be involved in the future of the sport."
The group will next meet on Thursday 6th March in Room 5 of Isleburgh House and anyone who would like to contribute to discussions is invited to attend.
ENDS