5:06pm Tuesday 29th September 2009
When we work together, we can achieve so much.
And our Best Community Group category is a chance to celebrate the organisations that epitomise that idea and make a positive difference to people’s lives.
We’re looking for organisations with a proven track record of success at grass-roots level, organisations which, through their voluntary work, have benefited the community.
Perhaps they have galvanised your neighbourhood into action, or worked steadily over the years to bring about change. Whatever they have done, we want to know.
Crank It Up is one such group which uses a range of inventive ways of encouraging everyone to get cycling.
The Bradford “born and bred” charitable group works tirelessly to help the disabled, the elderly, families and young people enjoy the benefits of cycling, and promote its environmental benefits.
The group puts on cycling sessions across the district, and further afield, for schools, community groups and specialist organisations.
As part of its work with the disabled, the group this year started using tandems to help the visually-impaired to ride.
Crank It Up chairman Chris Evans said: “We also provide sessions for children who are at risk, socially or financially excluded, and those with challenging behaviour.
“Our experience is that if you give young people something they like to do, not only do they enjoy it, but can do so in an educational way.”
The group, which was formed in 2004, can currently boast two rather appropriate patrons – TV presenter Adam Hart Davis and Paralympic gold medalist Aileen McGlynn.
It is also well known for its range of ‘wacky bikes’ which it uses in its fun sessions, including a custom-made shopping trolley bike.
The group makes the bikes itself, using pieces and equipment donated or found through its Cycle re Cycle project.
For more information on the group go to crank-it-up.org.uk.
* To nominate an individual or group for any of our categories, click on the Bradford’s Best logo on our website or look out for more nomination forms in the T&A each week.
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