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What’s on at the 2024 Cycle Festival
Lets take a closer look at the Chesterfield Cycle Festival 2024 events line-up. As a reminder, all of our rides, and most other events are completely free. You can reserve your tickets right now!
Friday 7th June
The festival kicks off with Adapted Cycling in Queens Park as Inclusive Pedals host a taster session with their range of bikes and trikes for adults with disabilities and their carers.
In the evening, Friday Night Ride: Chesterfield Parks will take us on a tour of several of Chesterfield’s parks.
Saturday 8th June
The Holmebrook Valley Park Cycle Funday. We’ll have activities and games, stalls and displays. Feel free to bring a picnic and explore the park. We’ll lead a ride from town to help people get there.
Sunday 9th June
A choice of rides today. In the morning, the Creswell Crags Women’s only ride will be setting off from Hollingwood Hub heading out to the county border to explore Creswell Crags before returning. The afternoon sees the return of the popular Art Trail ride. We’ll start off in Queens Park as before but will then cover some new ground with different examples of Chesterfield’s dizzying array of public art work.
Dr Bike will be at Hollingwood Hub between 10 and 3 providing free bike checks, adjustments and repairs while you wait.
Monday 10th June
The Avenue Works Grassmoor ride is an evening ride from Queen’s Park out to the transformed Avenue Works site and then on to Grassmoor Country Park before returning to town.
Tuesday 11th June
The Holymoorside pub ride will take advantage of the brand new East/West route to go from Queen’s Park out to Holymoorside. After a quick refreshments stop in Holymoorside we’ll roll back to Queen’s Park.
Wednesday 12th June
The BMX ride will see us ride out (on normal bikes) from the town centre to Ringwood Park where we can see the Chesterfield BMX club ride around the bespoke course, and if you feel up to it, having a go yourself.
Thursday 13th June
Thursday sees a change of pace, we have an adventurer, author and trans-continental race winning cyclist Emily Chappell in the Chesterfield Library Lecture Theatre to tell us about her cycling journey. Don’t worry, you can still cycle there. A small charge applies for this event.
Friday 14th June
You can’t beat a visit to the chippy on a Friday evening. The Holmebrook chips ride will depart from Queen’s Park to Holmebrook for a chippy picnic before returning to town.
Saturday 15th June
The Happy Hens ride will follow the new East/West route, stopping for a cuppa and cake at Adam’s Happy Hens before returning to Queen’s Park.
In the evening there are some short talks and films during our Cycling Conversations social at Brampton Brewery.
Sunday 16th June
The festival ends with a longer ride as we head out from Chesterfield on the Bolsover Trail Explorer
Keeping up to date
You can download the programme below to keep, or spot one of the flyers around town. If you want to keep up to date though, keep on eye on the festival Facebook page or check our festival webpage.
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Save the Date: 2024 Chesterfield Cycle Festival – June 7th to June 16th
We’re excited to announce the dates for this year’s highly anticipated Chesterfield Cycle Festival! Get ready to mark your calendars and join us for ten days of pedal-powered excitement, from Friday, June 7th, through Sunday, June 16th.
This year, we’re taking you on a journey across town, with nine guided rides covering all compass points. From the tranquil landscapes of Holymoorside and Holmebrook Valley Park in the west to the charms of Staveley and Bolsover in the east. Our routes are designed to showcase the best of Chesterfield’s bike infrastructure, highlighting what’s possible while catering to cyclists of all levels. Whether you’re joining us for a leisurely spin or a longer journey, our rides are led at a steady, inclusive pace, ensuring everyone can pedal along and enjoy the adventure.
But that’s not all! Our festival lineup is packed with even more exciting activities to enjoy:
Special Guest Speaker: Emily Chappell: Join us for an inspiring evening as adventurer, author and endurance cyclist Emily Chappell shares her stories and insights into her world on two wheels.
Fun Day in the Park: Gather your family and friends for a day of cycling-themed fun in the park! From treasure hunts to fun interactive games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Adapted Cycling with Inclusive Pedals and their fleet of specially adapted bikes and trikes for people with disabilities and their carers.
Dr Bike: Need a tune-up? Our expert Dr Bike team will be on hand to provide simple bike repairs, ensuring your ride is in top condition for the festival.
Cycling Conversations: Join us for an evening of engaging discussion and film at our “Cycling Conversations” social event. Connect with fellow cyclists, share stories, and be inspired by the power of cycling.
Our festival coincides with the 101st National Bike Week, adding even more excitement and celebration to our ten-day event.
Stay tuned for more details and announcements about the full lineup of events. Mark your calendars, spread the word, and get ready to pedal into an unforgettable experience at the 2024 Cycling Festival!
Keep an eye on our website and follow cyclefestchesterfield on Facebook for updates and announcements. We can’t wait to see you there!
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EGM to be held to amend constitution
The current Cycle Chesterfield constitution is out of date. Amongst other issues, it does not reflect the change of name to Cycle Chesterfield. Requests have been received from six members (as required by current constitution) to hold an Extraordinary General Meeting in order to amend the constitution.
Our next meeting on Tuesday 13th February which will be online using Zoom will start with our usual monthly agenda and be followed by the EGM.
Details on how members can join the meeting will follow by email as usual, nearer the date.
The EGM was held as planned, we read through the draft constitution, discussed it and unanimously decided to adopt it.
The constitution is published on our website.
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Support Chesterfield BMX!
Chesterfield BMX club need your help! They are seeking funding to carry out urgent repairs and improvements to the BMX track at Ringwood Park. For a successful bid they need to show public support, you can help by signing the petition below.
The club runs programmes at half-term for local children, teaching them skills and encouraging an active lifestyle. The track is also open to the public to ride on. Funding will provide a safer, more modern track capable of hosting events and allowing riders to reach their potential.
You can keep up with Chesterfield BMX club on facebook.
We have written a letter in support, but please do take two minutes to sign the petition.
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Renew Your Cycle Chesterfield Membership
Thank you for your support for Cycle Chesterfield over the past 12 months! We hope you have had a good year on and off your bike and we wish you all the best for 2024!
Annual membership of Cycle Chesterfield is due for renewal as of the first of January and we hope that you will consider continuing your support for us in 2024!
Membership Rates:
Our membership rates remain unchanged, at what we hope you will agree is a very reasonable rate. Your membership dues contribute to:
- Quarterly newsletters
- Maintenance of the Cycle Chesterfield website
- Insurance coverage for our rides through British Cycling
- Organisation and execution of the summer Cycling Festival
- Support for our regular activities promoting and encouraging cycling in our local area
Annual Rates:
- Adult: £5
- Family: £10
- Unwaged: £2.50
How to Renew: Simple and Convenient
Renewing your membership is quick and easy! We use “Member Mojo” for managing our membership administration, and you have several convenient options to renew:
- Online Renewal:
- Click here to go directly to your Member Mojo “Sign in” page.
- Once you’re signed in you can change and update any of your membership details and any “linked members”, and then renew your membership.
- When you get to the secure “checkout” page, you can pay by any of the following means:
- Any credit or debit card (no card charges)
- Apple Pay and Google Pay are supported
- Alternatively you can pay by initiating a Bank transfer/faster payment/BACS through your online banking
- Offline renewal
- For those preferring traditional methods, we still accept cheques or cash. Please email our Treasurer, Martin Farr, at treasurer@cycle.chesterfield.org for details.
Assistance at Your Fingertips
Encountering any challenges or have questions about the renewal process? We’re here to help! Drop us a line at membership@cyclechesterfield.org, and we’ll ensure a smooth renewal experience for you.
Not a member? Why not? You can join online now via a straightforward and easy process or email us at membership@cyclechesterfield.org to arrange new membership offline.
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2023 in review
Achievements
East/West Route Construction Begins: One of the pivotal moments of 2023 was the commencement of the construction of the eagerly awaited East/West cycling route, connecting Holymoorside in the East to the Royal Hospital in the West. This significant infrastructure project marks a substantial step towards creating a more cyclist-friendly environment across our community.
Inaugural Chesterfield Cycle Festival: A highlight of the year was the first-ever Chesterfield Cycle Festival. This event brought together people over a range of activities, fostering a sense of community and shared passion for cycling. The festival not only celebrated the joy of cycling but also served as a platform to highlight the variety of safe cycling routes we already have and promoted the town.
Campaign Renaming: In a strategic move, Chesterfield Cycle Campaign underwent a renaming to Cycle Chesterfield, more fully reflecting the nature of our efforts. The new name embodies the spirit of our mission and resonates with both existing members and prospective supporters.
Woodall Homes Planning Enquiry: Cycling and walking interests were represented at the planning enquiry into the Woodall Homes Development site that is part of the next phase of Chesterfield Waterside. The positive outcome, with the inspector agreeing in principle that the developer should fund contributions to active travel infrastructure, is a testament to our advocacy’s impact.
Sheffield Bike Stand Installation: Continuing our efforts to enhance cycling infrastructure, we successfully installed a Sheffield Bike stand at Mastin Moor Community Gardens. This addition serves as a practical and visible symbol of our commitment to promoting cycling accessibility.
Membership Increase: We are happy to report an increase in our membership numbers over the past year. The growing support of community members demonstrates a collective commitment to promoting cycling as a viable and eco-friendly mode of transportation. With more members, our advocacy efforts gain strength and momentum.
Regular Activities
Advocacy in Planning Meetings: Our members continued to monitor planning applications in the borough, responding to any that needed better cycling outcomes. We also actively participated in meetings addressing planning issues within the Waterside Development site. Our involvement focused on plans for paths and bridges, contributing to the vision of a more cyclist-friendly environment in Chesterfield.
Led rides: The tradition of Friday night rides continued to thrive, providing cyclists with an opportunity to come together, explore our local routes, and foster camaraderie. These rides not only promote a healthy and active lifestyle but also strengthen the sense of community among our members. We also had two Cycle in Style rides and new in 2023: an extended programme of summer rides.
Summer rides Friday night ride Cycle in style Quarterly Newsletters: Our commitment to community engagement remained steadfast with the regular publication of quarterly newspapers. These publications served as a valuable source of information, keeping our members and the community at large informed about ongoing projects, events, and relevant cycling news.
Monthly Meetings: Our monthly meetings served as a cornerstone of collaboration and planning. These gatherings allowed members to discuss important issues, share ideas, and contribute to the strategic direction of our advocacy group. The consistent turnout at these meetings underscores the dedication of our members.
Hybrid Approach to Meetings: After years of online-only meetings due to the pandemic, we moved to a blend of face-to-face and online meetings in 2023. This hybrid approach means we get valuable face-time, and ensures that we can connect with our community regardless of circumstances, fostering inclusivity and accessibility.
Challenges Faced
Challenges with DCC Dialogue: Despite challenges, including DCC not reinstating the quarterly Cycle Liaison Meeting, we remained steadfast in our commitment to dialogue with local authorities. Continuous efforts are essential to ensure our community’s cycling needs are heard and addressed.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on 2023, we eagerly anticipate the future. We are looking forward to the East/West route being completed in 2024, and also the second Chesterfield Cycling Festival in the summer. We invite all community members to join us in this journey towards a more cyclist-friendly and sustainable future.
Thanks
As we bring the curtains down on the year 2023, it’s essential to extend heartfelt gratitude to those who have been the driving force behind the success of Cycle Chesterfield. Our accomplishments wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering dedication of our committee members, the enthusiasm of our volunteers who made the Cycle Festival a triumph, Nigel for orchestrating the delightful Cycle in Style rides, and Lisa, for her tireless efforts on the Waterside site.
A special mention goes to Chris, our outgoing chair, for his leadership, and invaluable contributions. Chris has played a pivotal role in steering our group through its journey, and we express our sincere thanks for his dedication and hard work.
A call to action – Join us
As we reflect on the year’s achievements – from the commencement of the East/West route to the successful Chesterfield Cycle Festival and beyond – we recognise that our accomplishments are not just milestones; they are the result of a collective commitment to fostering a more cyclist-friendly community.
Looking forward, we extend an open invitation to join Cycle Chesterfield. As we embark on the exciting journey into 2024, we believe that the weight of our accomplishments grows with each new member. If you have the time; your support, ideas, and passion will contribute to the continued success of our advocacy efforts, if you don’t then that’s fine – increasing our numbers, increases our weight. You can join us online or email us at membership@cyclechesterfield.org for alternative methods of joining.
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Summer Rides with Cycle Chesterfield
As the energy of the Chesterfield Cycling Festival still lingers in the air, we’re thrilled to announce an exciting lineup of summer rides! Cycle Chesterfield invites you to join us for a series of bike rides, exploring the beautiful landscapes and rich heritage of our beloved town. Whether you relish the hills or prefer a leisurely ride looking at art, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Event Schedule
- Friday Evening Explorer on Friday 14th of July
Discover Hasland and Brimington on this exploration ride. There’s a mixture of hills and tracks, but all cycled at an easy pace. - Trans-Pennine Trail Loop on Saturday 29th of July
Embark on a picturesque journey along the Trans-Pennine Trail, following the tranquil canal paths before venturing through Westwood’s hills. - Friday Night Ride: Avenue Works on Friday 4th of August
Experience the local infrastructure and wide gravel tracks on this relaxed-paced ride to the Avenue Country park - Holymoorside & Brampton Brewery on Saturday 12th of August
Explore quiet roads, challenging hills, and picturesque tracks on this moderate paced ride which ends with an opportunity for a refreshing drink at the brewery. - Art Ride Part 2 on Saturday 19th of August
Discover the fascinating world of local public art as we venture along Chesterfield’s bike tracks and quiet roads. Immerse yourself in the artistic beauty of our town while enjoying a leisurely ride. - Friday Night Ride: Infrastructure Ride on 1st of September 1st
Learn about the campaigning efforts and infrastructure development required for creating cycling-friendly routes. Gain insights into the standards and best practices while enjoying an engaging ride.
Mark your calendars, bring your friends and family, and embark on these exciting rides that showcase the best of Chesterfield’s cycling.
All rides are organised and led by volunteers at no cost to riders but we would appreciate it if you’d become a member of Cycle Chesterfield.
- Friday Evening Explorer on Friday 14th of July
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Chesterfield Cycling Festival
What an absolutely incredible first Chesterfield Cycling Festival it has been! We couldn’t have asked for a better celebration of biking and community on the 100th national bike week.
We have fixed countless bikes, had a sociable night watching cycling films and most importantly got out and explored Chesterfield by bike with over 94 riders making use of the town’s infrastructure across six guided rides.
A huge round of applause and heartfelt gratitude goes out to everyone involved in organising this extraordinary event. Your hard work, dedication, and passion have made the festival a roaring success. The ride leaders, bike fixers and organisers, thank you for making it all possible!
To all the riders who joined us throughout the week, you are the true stars of the festival! Your enthusiasm, energy, and love for cycling have filled the atmosphere with joy and excitement. We hope the memories and experiences from this event will stay with you and encourage you to get on your bikes and ride!
To the weather, thank you for the sunshine!
Stop for chips on the Holmebrook Valley ride Film night 5 pits ride Art Ride As we bid farewell to this remarkable festival, we invite you to continue supporting cycling in Chesterfield by joining Cycle Chesterfield. By becoming a member, you’ll actively contribute to the organisation of future festivals, advocate for cyclists’ rights, and help create a more bike-friendly community. Together, we can make a difference!
We would love to hear your thoughts and feedback on the festival. Share your experiences, suggestions, and memories with us, as your input will guide us in making future events even more amazing.
Once again, a huge thank you to everyone who made the Chesterfield Cycling Festival a phenomenal success. Let’s keep pedalling towards a brighter, greener, and more cycling-friendly future!
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Chesterfield Cycle Campaign is now Cycle Chesterfield
Exciting News for cyclists in Chesterfield: Chesterfield Cycle Campaign is now Cycle Chesterfield!
Chesterfield Cycle Campaign have been working tirelessly to make the town and surrounding areas a safer and more accessible place for cyclists for years, campaigning for better infrastructure and promoting cycling as a mode of transportation. But, as the years have gone on, the group has expanded beyond just campaigning. Our members also offer guided rides and popular bike repair workshops “Dr Bike”, as well as publishing a range of local information, all helping to build a vibrant cycling community in Chesterfield.
That’s why we have decided to rebrand as Cycle Chesterfield. The new name better reflects the full range of activities the group carries out and highlights our commitment to promoting cycling as a way of life in Chesterfield. But, we know that any change can be met with skepticism and doubt, so we’re here to reassure you that this is an exciting and positive change for the group.
First and foremost, the name change doesn’t mean that Cycle Chesterfield is abandoning our campaigning efforts. In fact, it’s quite the opposite! We will continue to work with local authorities and other organisations to promote cycling and improve infrastructure for cyclists. Cycle Chesterfield will continue to push for the creation of safer, more accessible routes and facilities for cyclists in and around Chesterfield.
Guided rides and bike repair provide opportunities for cyclists of all levels to learn new skills and connect with other riders in the community. From beginner rides to bike repair, and newsletters, Cycle Chesterfield’s activities are designed to promote cycling as a fun, healthy, and sustainable mode of transportation.
So, if you’re a cyclist in Chesterfield, we encourage you to join Cycle Chesterfield. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just getting started, there’s a place for you in the group. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in guided rides, attend workshops, and help shape the future of cycling in Chesterfield, or you can rest at ease knowing that just by being a member of Cycle Chesterfield you are lending more weight to our advocacy.
In conclusion, the name change to Cycle Chesterfield is a positive development for the group and the cycling community in Chesterfield. It better reflects the full range of activities carried out and highlights our commitment to promoting cycling as a way of life in the town. So, hop on your bike and join Cycle Chesterfield for a ride!
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Coming Soon: Chesterfield Cycling Festival
To celebrate the hundredth national bike week at the beginning of June, we are launching Chesterfields Festival of Cycling!
The Chesterfield Cycling Festival is gearing things up a few weeks after the Chesterfield Walking Festival to bring an exciting line-up of events. Between the 2nd of June and 11th of June, this ten day festival will include adapted bike rides with Inclusive Pedals, film nights about bikes, repair workshops and a variety of friendly bike rides with something suitable for all.
Take in the sights and sounds of Chesterfield as you join one of our friendly guided bike rides, suitable for riders of all abilities. Explore the town and its surrounding areas on our routes, taking in urban art and rural landscapes along the way.
At the bike repair workshops, our trained “Dr Bike” mechanics will carry out free checks, adjustments and basic repairs on your bike.
For those who love movies, the bike film night is not to be missed. Enjoy short films about cycling at the Brampton Brewery Bierhuis.
Whether you’re a serious cyclist, a leisure rider, or just looking for a fun way to spend time with family and friends, the Chesterfield Cycling Festival has something for everyone. So, mark your calendars and get ready to be part of this exciting celebration of all things bike-related.
For more information about the Chesterfield Cycling Festival and to register for events, please visit our programme online.