New – After School Bike Workshops at ROOSE for Youths – please help spread the word!
Latest news
Ryedale Cycle Forum – minutes from the last meeting on 20 February 2024
The minutes from the last meeting are now on the website
https://getryedalecycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/RCF-minutes-20-February-24.doc
The next meeting will be on Tuesday 30 April 2024, 10.00am via Teams.
Everyone is welcome to attend to discuss new ideas for cycling and active travel within the Ryedale area.
Please let me know should you wish to attend by emailing Jackie.speakman@northyorks.gov.uk
Ryedale Cycle Forum – Agenda for Tuesday 20 February, 10.00am via Teams
The agenda is listed on the website for the next meeting and two dates arranged for further meetings:
Tuesday 30 April & Tuesday 7 July, both 10.00am via Teams.
https://getryedalecycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Agenda-Tuesday-20-February-2024.docx
North Yorkshire Bike Store Thrives and Celebrates 15 Years in Business
A Pickering success story that employs 30 people and attracts national media to the area, Big Bear Bikes is celebrating its 15th anniversary this month. At a time when the bike industry is struggling as the Covid-related cycling boom slows down, this North Yorkshire shop has sustained the increase and is now one of the largest bike businesses in North Yorkshire.
As well as contributing to the local and regional economy through its workforce, Big Bear Bikes also attracts customers from across the UK and draws in tourists through its sister store Dalby Forest Cycle Hub (DFCH). Besides its core business as a bike hire shop, DFCH opens up the mental and physical health benefits of cycling to people with disabilities and illnesses through its inclusive cycling service, which has featured in several national media outlets and was recently shortlisted for a national tourism award.
Big Bear Bikes Managing Director David Beeley puts the business’ success down to the in-person service offered by a local bike shop that can’t be replicated by an online store.
He said: “Post-COVID, people really appreciate face-to-face service and the fact our team are friendly, professional and really know what they’re talking about. Customers like coming to a clean, modern environment with a large showroom, more than 100 bikes in stock and space where they can test ride a few bikes before they choose one.”
David added: “We are a local shop but we are independent and I think that’s important to people at a time when there are so many huge businesses online that don’t offer a personal service. It’s a nice feeling to celebrate 15 years in business but we are always looking forward and are starting the year by taking on two new people.”
Big Bear Bikes opened in January 2009 and in April 2011 founder David joined the business full time.
The business started small at only 600 square feet, eventually taking the whole of the original building on both floors, before extending into the unit next door. In April 2018, it moved into the current premises in Southgate, more than doubling its floorspace to 4,200 square feet, providing a main street presence and with a large car park for test riding bikes.
Another big change in that year was winning the tender to operate the mountain bike hire centre at Dalby Forest, which opened in July 2018 and is now Dalby Forest Cycle Hub. DFCH is a Community Interest Company, meaning that at its core is a desire to do good in the community.
DFCH is a partnership with Scarborough and Ryedale Community Cycling (SRCC), who do outstanding inclusive work with people who might not normally be able to cycle for physical, mental or financial reasons. DFCH has also seen growth since opening and has expanded into additional units, which has increased floorspace by another 50%.
The lockdowns of 2020 caused a surge in demand as huge numbers of people took up cycling but, unlike the bike industry as a whole, which has seen a downturn in business and issues caused by oversupply, Big Bear Bikes has managed to sustain the increase.
Trek Bikes from the USA are Big Bear Bikes’ primary bike brand and the team love the fact that, unlike most major cycling brands, the company is still owned by the family of the man who founded the business in 1975, Dick Burke. This gives Trek a very different view of the world that makes them more customer and product-focused, which are important values to Big Bear Bikes, now one of the biggest Trek dealers in the UK.
E-bikes have been steadily growing in popularity since they were legalised in the UK in 2016. Since then, the technology has improved, the word has spread about how good they are and they have come down in price to the point that now about half of all bikes sold by Big Bear Bikes have electric assist.
The business has a full-time staff of 12 and 16 part-time employees. It has just taken on a new member of staff and will take on another following the extension of the workshop, where qualified mechanics service, repair, upgrade and assemble bikes.
David said: “It has been an amazing journey over the last fifteen years and we are very thankful to our all our customers, new and old, and our great team at both stores. They are all keen cyclists and between us we cover nearly all the cycling disciplines, so our friendliness, knowledge and professionalism is here to give customers the best start on their ‘cycling journey’ and support them in the future.”
Web and social links
Big Bear Bikes website: https://www.bigbearbikes.co.uk/
Big Bear Bikes on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigBearBikes/
Big Bear Bikes on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigbearbikes
Dalby Forest Cycle Hub website: https://www.dalbyforestcyclehub.co.uk/
Dalby Forest Cycle Hub on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dalbyforestcyclehub/
Dalby Forest Cycle Hub on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dalby_forest_cycle_hub
Ceilidh Fundraising Evening – starring the Jack Hare Band
Come to this amazing fundraising evening on Saturday 24 February, 7.30pm – 10.30pm at Kirkbymoorside Memorial Hall. Profits will be split between Moorsbus and Path For Everyone.
Tickets prices are £10.00 adults and £7.00 for children.
See the poster below with more details.
Dalby Forest accessible cycling champion Rob Brown in-line for coveted national tourism award – vote opens in mid-February
A North York Moors man has been shortlisted for a top tourism award because of his passion for, and dedication to making cycling in Dalby Forest more accessible for all.
Rob Brown, who is co-director of the not-for-profit Community Interest Company Dalby Forest Cycle Hub, has been nominated as one of 10 finalists across the country in the Tourism Superstar 2024 awards run by VisitEngland.
At the heart of Rob’s story is the pivotal role he has played in helping transform many people’s lives, particularly enabling those living with greater challenges to have more independence. This has included his involvement in the award-winning North York Moors Accessibility Project led by VisitEngland to improve information, customer service and facilities for people with accessibility requirements, such as those with mobility or sensory impairments, so they too can enjoy the National Park’s landscapes.
Through his ‘Learn to Ride in 90 minutes’ programme aimed at children, together with other courses for all ages, Rob has not just taught cycling skills but also instilled confidence for those who may never have experienced being on a bike before, as well as opened people’s eyes to the therapeutic benefits of being outdoors.
Crucially, he has also helped people with additional needs to experience the joy that comes from cycling in the forest, engaging with numerous specialist schools and disability groups, and working hard to understand the challenges that individuals face before finding the best adaptive bike for them to hire from the Cycle Hub.
Catriona McLees, Head of Marketing and Communications at the North York Moors National Park comments: “Rob is definitely a superstar as his story is about far more than just being a passionate cycling advocate. He shows how listening to others, coming up with solutions and providing a good community spirit can totally transform how much people think they can achieve and what might be possible.
“For example, he’s helped people who have had a life changing accident or illness realise it is still possible to cycle with their family using an adaptive bike; opened children’s eyes to the joy of riding unaided for the first time; and enabled strong, lasting bonds of friendship to be formed when youngsters help each other while out cycling.
“Essentially he’s created a haven of inclusivity within Dalby Forest, enabling people to enjoy having greater freedom and independence in a beautiful woodland setting and providing a gold-star template for others to follow when it comes to making tourism more accessible.”
Petra Young, Interim Head of Recreation at Forestry England Yorkshire adds: “Since starting to work with our partners at Dalby Forest Cycle Hub, it’s been clear that Rob embodies what it means to really champion a great cause.
“Accessible cycling isn’t just about paths and trails; it’s a gateway to empowerment and inclusivity. Dalby Forest is about more than stunning landscapes; it’s about creating an environment where everyone, regardless of ability, can experience a thrilling ride.
“Since the beginning, Rob has created a warm, welcoming and inclusive atmosphere to cycling in Dalby. It’s clear to see that this sits close to Rob’s heart, and his unwavering passion and determination to remove barriers is an inspiration to us all.
“The Forestry England staff based in Dalby Forest all love working with Rob to develop exciting, accessible cycling activities and we’re thrilled to hear that Rob is being rightly acknowledged for his incredible work.”
The public will be able to vote for their favourite superstar on VisitEngland’s website from mid-February when the competition officially opens. https://www.visitbritain.org/working-us/visitenglands-tourism-superstar-award
