Positive Physical Activity. Project Complete.

The Ride Mossley project, powered by Mossley Sports Forum (MSF) and the Big Lottery fund has now drawn to a close. Due to the popularity and positive impact the Ride Mossley project created, the organisers are discussing how to deliver more cycling activities.

Project outcomes

The project outcomes were to get more 8 to 16 year olds active by creating a positivity pathway into sport. The project was purposely delivered during the school holidays to counter young people staying indoors or otherwise getting involved in mischief. Ryley, age 12, one of the participants said:

“I thought the bike skills sessions were brilliant and I want to do it again and I loved the air bag.”

MSF teamed up with Dirt Factory and used their mobile bike track, air bag and coaches to deliver twelve unique sessions. Young people had the opportunity to learn new bike skills and essential bike repairs. Participants learnt how to ride a pump track as well as exploring the local bridleways and permitted cycle routes in Tameside.

In total, 158 people took part in at least two hours of cycling activity. The organisers are looking to build on this and deliver even more sessions in partnership with Dirt Factory.

Added confidence

Parents and young people from Tameside have asked if similar sessions can be delivered in the future. Phil, a parent said:

“I thought the project was brilliant and it was great to see my sons confidence grow after each session. I’ve noticed that he has taken that added confidence into other things like his football, scooter and hopefully into school, it was really good.”

MSF will create more cycling activities in the future. Specifically they would like to get more parents on bikes with their children, consequently increasing the likelihood of repeat activity. Several young people and parents were requesting if a permanent pump track facility could be built in Mossley.

Tremendous collaboration

Peter Wilkinson, Chair of Mossley Sports Forum added: “This year’s sessions have been more successful than ever before. We have catered for a wide range of ages and many riders have come back regularly to improve their skills and confidence. Our collaboration with Dirt Factory has been tremendous. Their leaders were very encouraging and offered safe challenges to the youngsters. It was certainly great to have use of Dirt Factory’s airbag which took riders’ experience to a new level. Above all we are looking forward to working together in the near future.”

Look out for more bike rides and possibly another pump track session coming soon.