How GTCT funding has supported “vitally important” work of the Community Outdoor Group
Funding from the Geraint Thomas Cycling Trust (GTCT) has supported the east London-based Community Outdoor Group (COG) in delivering crucial work for the local community.
Grants have seen the group continue to deliver balance to pedal sessions for beginners, as well as acquire MTB bikes for more advanced groups.
“The funding was very much needed and has helped a lot of young people in the club,” co-project lead for COG Cycling David Sparks told us.
David started the community club back in 2016 as a police officer aiming to work alongside the young people of his borough, building trust and breaking down barriers between the police and young people.
The group’s balance to pedal sessions are aimed at very young children, building their confidence with fun games and engaging activities until they’re ready to progress to pedal cycles and learn to ride properly. Subsequently, they’ll be signposted the the club’s regular BMX or MTB sessions.
GTCT funding has helped the delivery of this, as well as the delivery of the balance to pedal sessions.
“The grant was needed to enable us to purchase some smaller MTB bikes as part of our MTB project working with young ages,” David explained. “We gained 12 MTB bikes as ours were at the end of their useful life.
“This funding allowed younger children to attend our sessions, as most do not have their own bikes. We work with approximately 100 young people every weekend across our different groups.”
The group’s reach ensured that the funding has had – and continues to have – a truly positive impact for those in its local community.
“The local area has a high level of deprivation, with opportunities limited for those that want to take part in exciting projects but may not be able to afford the prices that a lot of clubs charge.
“It is vitally important to provide sessions at an affordable price,” David continued. “Both the boroughs we operate in have an influx of workers who commute into London and may be able to afford sessions for their children, but the other end of the boroughs is within the top percentile of deprivation. So, we offer all our sessions for a £2 donation towards the cost of using our bikes and coaches, ensuring that all young people have the same opportunities.”
These sessions also go towards achieving David’s original ambition, progressively breaking down barriers between young people in east London and the police, as well as delivering positive health outcomes in the area.
“To me, it is important for the young people to see that behind my badge, I am a regular person, a father,” David stated, “and if they want to discuss anything I am there to listen and not judge.
“This has worked really well when I have sometimes met some of our young people when on duty and they have come up and spoke to myself when with their friends.
“I also believe that, especially after Covid, young people have really struggled with not only their physical health but mental health as well.
“We have created a club which pushes an ethos of ‘we are all one family’, and it’s great to see young people and their parents or carers meet at the club, have a great time, and help with its running.”
