MOST people would like to follow a healthy lifestyle – but it is not always easy to put into practice.

Young people and the disabled, in particular, often lack confidence and find accessing activities difficult.

A Bradford charity is working to address this, by encouraging and helping people who would not normally have access to certain physical activities to get involved.

Healthy Life Cycles was set up by four youth and community workers – Heather Esiri, Naz Ali, Cain Lewis and Nicole Storr – committed to improving the health and well-being of those living in Bradford, in particular children and young people.

Last year the charity, which is run by volunteers, ran a successful scheme, Sportivate, for young women who had little or no cycling skills.

Nineteen women aged between 16 and 25 and six others completed a course which included basic cycle safety and maintenance and culminated in a 10km ride.

Since then, some of those women – mainly from Asian backgrounds – have continued to meet for social rides, and have lent their services, befriending and volunteering to help other young women who are learning to ride.

“They have progressed a lot,” says Heather. “We have a number of rides planned for disabled people – they have been working with them to give them confidence.

“If people want to go on social rides and cycle a bit further afield they will be able to accompany them. We are giving them more experience of working with individuals and groups, to improve their confidence. They are keen and enthusiastic. It is not just about the cycling but socialisation and friendships.”

Some women are building on their experience in order to complete the British Cycling Cycle Leadership qualification. This will enable them to lead rides safely and with confidence.

Earlier this year a number of them spoke at the National Women and Cycling Conference in Hereford and as a result the charity has been asked to host the third National Women and Cycling Conference next year. One of the women who took part, Afifah Hussain, says: “I was excited and proud to have learned to ride a bike, but having the opportunity to share my story to inspire more women to ride is unforgettable.”

Faz Hussain says: “It started as a little ride in the park to build my confidence and now I’m working towards being a ride leader and speaking at a conference.”

Adds Heather: “Women are under-represented in cycling, especially those from black and ethnic minorities. In summer a cycling course targeting young people aged between 16 and 25, of African and Caribbean heritage, was run.

“The prime target is to involve young people who are not regularly exercising or enjoying any physical activity. It is the mental benefits that it brings as well. We try to encourage people to try to develop healthier lifestyles through a sport or activity they can enjoy with others.”

This year two events linked to the national Big Bike Revival initiative have been enjoyed by more than 170 participants. Now Healthy Life Cycles is looking to start a young volunteers training programme.

The charity has contacts with community groups from countries including Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Cameroon and the Caribbean. “It is an opportunity to get young people together,” says Heather.

“They are assessed before they start. They can try bikes, and we talk to them to see how confident they are. We introduce the groups to safe, green spaces that they will be able to enjoy with friends.”

The charity does not limit its reach to cycling: it held a transition activity day for young people moving up to secondary school and hosted a running project for young women and a pilot scheme for people aged over 60 experiencing social isolation. Future activities could include cricket.

Sessions are led by qualified youth and community workers.

Supporters include Bradford Council which loans bikes from its Lister Park hub, and the Dubrovnik Hotel.

Funding comes from grants and fees, as well as through sponsorship and events. This Friday a Ska and Reggae night is being held with a live band, Trenchtown, at the Dubrovnik Hotel, Oak Lane, Bradford, at 7.30pm as part of Bradford’s Black History Month celebrations. Tickets cost £10 on the door or by ringing 07448 344762.

l For more information: E: hlcbradford@gmail.com Facebook: Healthy Life Cycles Bradford or ring 07448 344762.