British Cycling Announce Participation Boom

British Cycling has reached 50,000 membership mark, more than doubling its membership since 2008, the sports governing body announced today.

The milestone comes during the sports greatest ever summer with just over two weeks until the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.  

British Cycling’s President, Brian Cookson OBE, said: “British Cycling signing up its 50,000 member could not come at a better time for our sport. We’re in the midst of the Tour de France where Britain is hoping to secure its first ever winner, we’re a matter of days away from Team GB competing at London 2012, and we’ve seen a huge spike in cycling participation numbers with over 160,000 more people getting on bikes.

“We of course owe our success to a number of factors – the investment from Sport England and UK Sport, our partner Sky and our sponsors – but critically, we need to thank our members, clubs, regions and volunteers – the people who have helped to get cycling in the best shape it has ever been in.

“There have never been more opportunities to cycle and our ambitions remain high. We’re now looking ahead to the next four year funding cycle where we hope to grow the sport further with more rises in participation, building of state-of-the-art facilities, and inspiring tens of thousands more members to join us on the journey.”

In April 2007, British Cycling membership was at just 20,000 members. Last September, the sports governing body announced that membership had doubled to 40,000. Today’s announcement has added another 10,000 people to its member count. 

Four time Olympic champion and British Cycling member, Sir Chris Hoy, said: “I’ve been a member of British Cycling for over 20 years and I’m really proud to be a part of, alongside 50,000 others, the massive growth of the sport and its governing body.

“We’re gearing up for our home Olympics which is going to be an amazing experience for everyone, and British Cycling members should be very proud of the role they’ve played in helping the sport thrive at all levels. Membership isn’t just for people who want to compete – there are benefits for everyone getting on a bike – and I hope the Games will inspire thousands more people to take up cycling.”

From developing the sport in BMX, Mountain Biking, Track and Road to creating entry level cycling opportunities for people of all ages and abilities, through programmes such as Sky Ride, Breeze and Go-Ride, British Cycling is helping drive a cycling boom worth nearly £3 billion to the UK economy.

To facilitate the growing demand for its sport, British Cycling continues to run a range of coaching qualifications and courses and its Go-Ride development programme supports young people in over 250 clubs and schools.

It has deployed Regional Events Officers to support its regions in organising and co-ordinating over 3,500 sporting and non-competitive events and work also continues to bring major international cycling events to Britain and to develop cycling facilities.

British Cycling also continues to influence the government and its members have been instrumental in campaigning for road safety, taking important issues to the heart of Whitehall.

British Cycling membership provides support and benefits to all types of cyclists. Members enjoy discounts from top cycle retailers, cycling publications and get legal support and insurance. Fees are invested straight back into the sport and are used to develop cycling facilities, future talent and grow participation.