The UK’s governing body for cycling aims to make cycling more accessible, tackle social inequality, and position the country as a global leader in the sport.
British Cycling (BC) has unveiled an ambitious four-year strategy aimed at reinforcing the UK’s status as a leading cycling nation while creating a significant societal, health, and economic impact.
Announced on Tuesday, the strategy outlines several initiatives, including a new social impact program to encourage more people to take up cycling, the establishment of a charitable foundation—The BC Foundation, led by Ed Clancy as managing director—and the continuation of efforts to modernize the sport. The plan also focuses on expanding the City Academies and Hubs initiative.
At the heart of these efforts is a recognition of the deep-rooted inequality in access to cycling in the UK. BC’s research reveals that children from disadvantaged communities are one-third less likely to participate in cycling compared to their wealthier counterparts.
Jon Dutton, CEO of British Cycling, emphasized the transformative power of cycling: “Cycling has the ability to change lives, yet far too many people face persistent barriers to riding. Whether for transportation, recreation, or sport, everyone should have access to a bike—regardless of their socio-economic background.”
Dutton added, “Our research shows that hundreds of thousands of children who wish to cycle simply don’t have the opportunity. We must address this as part of our broader commitment to breaking down barriers. This initiative is about more than just sport. It’s about confronting the UK’s health, wealth, and social disparities head-on and ensuring that cycling is a catalyst for positive change in every community.”
The strategy revolves around three key goals:
- To support and grow the sport, making cycling more inclusive.
- To position the UK as a global leader in cycling.
- To drive social impact, focusing on tackling inequality and promoting healthier, more active lives.
British Cycling reports that 16.5 million people regularly ride bikes in the UK, and the goal is to inspire and expand this cycling community. The strategy highlights BC’s commitment to being financially sustainable, innovative, and inclusive, with values of accountability, teamwork, integrity, and excellence.
“Through our charitable initiatives, social impact programs, and participation-focused activities, we aim to bring about a generational shift in cycling access,” Dutton said. “We are ready to lead this change and call on partners from sport, government, and business to collaborate with us.”
The strategy has garnered support from the UK government. Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society, and Youth, Stephanie Peacock, expressed her backing: “We look forward to working with British Cycling to make this vision a reality. Increasing physical activity is one of the most effective ways to reduce NHS pressures and improve overall wellbeing. British Cycling’s commitment to making cycling more accessible, especially for children and disadvantaged communities, will play a key role in helping us achieve a healthier, more active Britain.”
Frank Slevin, Chair of British Cycling, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment: “We fully support the executive team’s vision. We look forward to building on our recent progress and delivering on our ambition. Together, we can bring the joy of cycling to more people and create a lasting impact on communities across the country.”
British Cycling’s new strategy signals a bold step toward addressing the inequalities within the sport while ensuring that cycling becomes a force for good across the UK.
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