Community Stars: Community Group award finalists

CYCLING 4 ALL

Based at Bradford University, Cycling 4 All (C4A) runs free inclusive cycling sessions for students and staff at colleges and universities in West Yorkshire, as well as members of the public.

The group has a range of adapted bicycles for members to use irrespective of their disability, including hand bikes, tandems, trikes, electric bikes and mountain bikes.

The scheme also provides Learn-to-Ride sessions for non-disabled students and staff who wish to develop the skills needed to cycle confidently.

Sessions run every Wednesday across the academic year in Lister Park, Bradford, and the group is also expanding its work into local schools and the wider community.

The group was nominated by Michael Allhouse at Bradford University's Students Union, who said: "Disabled students didn't have the same opportunities to take part in sport before C4A began and were often marginalised.

"Now it's high on the agenda nationally and Bradford University is leading the way in terms of delivering inclusive sports.

"C4A promote sustainability and ensure they have disabled students at the heart of the decision-making process by providing employment and volunteering opportunities within the organisation.

"C4A began with a disabled student's desire to cycle, and is a great example of home grown Bradford success."

HERE WE ARE

Here We Are is a women's group who came together to encourage other women to gain a voice in public life using the vehicle of local radio and community projects.

The aims of the group are to try and engage more women in decision-making and public life, to reduce social isolation of women in their communities, and to generally improve the lives of women and girls across the Bradford district.

Volunteers are now looking to organise community-based events featuring guest speakers discussing themes such as health, careers, and maternity care.

Elements of the discussions will be recorded and the group will create informed radio broadcasts based around the events.

Bradford Council's Kate Armitstead, who nominated Here We Are, said: "This group is special because they bring to life the story of women in the district through their radio programmes, and they are a fantastic example of the real difference women can make in community life if their voices can be heard.

"They are inspiring women and deserve recognition for pushing the limits of their comfort zones and proudly representing women in new arenas.

"These women have taken responsibility for their own empowerment and shown that the sky is the limit."

BRADFORD PARKRUN

More than 6,000 people, with an age range of ten and under to over 75s, have taken part in the Bradford Parkruns since they began in 2010.

The event, which consists of a timed 5km run around Lister Park every Saturday morning, has grown from a weekly average of 62 runners to more than 200.

A record 491 people took part in the 200th event in March, and in the 231 Parkruns to date, runners have collectively clocked up more than 234,000km.

The race, which is entirely organised and marshalled by volunteers, has been directed by Linda Bussey since it started four years ago.

Tamsin Treasure-Jones, who nominated the scheme, said: "Bradford Parkrun has helped to improve health and fitness, bring communities together, raise money for charities and create friendships.

"It is a whole community event, encouraging everyone to run for enjoyment and celebrating everyone's completion of the course whether they manage it in 15 minutes or over an hour.

"Linda's drive and positive personality is without a doubt one of the main reasons for the success of the Bradford Parkrun.

"She organises all the volunteers, cheers on every participant, and encourages people to stay in contact and support each other."

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