The Watford Cycle Hub will be celebrating ten years by holding events for people of all abilities.
On Saturday, March 11, from 11am to 4pm, a party will be held at the hub’s café based in the King George V Playing Field, WD18 9QD.
To celebrate the occasion, people can take part in an attempt to pedal the equivalent distance of 120 miles – a mile for every month the cycle hub has been open – in individual laps of the 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.
Kate Jenkins, who founded the hub that is supported by Watford Borough Council and Watford Community Housing Trust, said: “The last ten 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 which we have had.”
The day is being supported by local cycling group SPOKES, British Cycling, active travel charity SUSTRANS and a host of local community partners.
A number of guests, including keen cyclist Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, are expected through the day.
Mr Taylor, said: “The anniversary celebrations will highlight the Cycle Hub’s contributions to the local community over the past ten 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.
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“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.”
Over the ten years, the Cycle Hub has opened a branch in Leavesden Country Park and helped create other hubs in St Albans and Stevenage.
In that time, Ms 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.
In that time, well over 10,000 machines have been serviced or repaired in the workshops.
The ten-year anniversary will also be used to launch the Cycle Hubs’ 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.
It is aimed at promoting cycling as an inclusive and accessible activity that can be enjoyed by all members of the community, regardless of their age, ability, or background.
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