Cyclists across Hertfordshire will be celebrating Watford Cycle Hub’s 10th anniversary on March 11.
A programme of events is planned to mark the decade during which the hub has been teaching people of all ages to cycle, organising community rides, providing reconditioned bikes, and maintaining machines of all shapes and sizes.
In the last 10 years, the Cycle Hub has also opened a branch in Leavesden Country Park and helped create other hubs in St Albans and Stevenage. Founder Kate Jenkins estimates that the Cycle Hub has taught more than 3,500 children and adults to ride confidently and safely, taken thousands of people out to explore the Hertfordshire countryside, and reconditioned and sold nearly 2,000 bicycles. More than 10,000 machines have also been serviced or repaired in the workshops.
Starting out in a disused cricket pavilion, Watford Cycle Hub now operates out of a purpose-built facility at King George V Playing Fields. Supported by Watford Borough Council and Watford Community Housing Trust, the hub includes a café, workshop and shop, and a special learn-to-ride ‘mini-town’ with signs, road markings and even a model electric vehicle charging point.
For its anniversary party, organised rides which are open to all will converge on the Cycle Hub during the day, and there will be a chance to take part in an attempt to pedal 120 miles (a mile for every month the Cycle Hub has been open) in individual laps of the King George V Playing Fields.
Visitors can also test their skills at the Speedy Tyre Change and a team of experienced mechanics will be on hand to give free health checks to bikes. The Cycle Hub’s well-known trishaws will also be out and about offering free rides to people with disabilities and elderly people who want to join in the fun.
A number of guests, including keen cyclist Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor are expected to attend throughout the day.
The occasion will also be used to launch the Cycle Hub’s Spring Commit to Ride challenge, which will see people signing up to ride a regular 10, 25 or 50 miles per month for three months. The event is aimed at promoting cycling as an inclusive and accessible activity that can be enjoyed by all members of the community.
Kate said: “The last 10 years have flown by. We’ve brought the joy of cycling to so many people with the help of our brilliant staff, friends, partners and volunteers; March 11 is our chance to reflect on what we’ve achieved as a community and the impact we have had”.
Mayor Taylor said: “The anniversary celebrations will highlight the Cycle Hub’s contributions to the local community over the past 10 years. Since they started, the Cycle Hub has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable transport in the area, encouraging more people to cycle for everyday journeys, such as commuting to work, school, or the shops.
“Whenever I visit, I am so impressed by the warmth of the welcome and the real community that Fiona, Kate and the team have created. From bringing old bikes back into use to helping people of all ages learn how to ride confidently and safely, they have made such a positive difference to our town.”
The day will kick off at 11am and the fun will continue until 4pm. Refreshments will be on sale from the Cycle Hub’s café.
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