Burton community fitness group given major boost with mobility bike

A community fitness group in Burton aimed at bringing people together has been given a major boost thanks to its strong partnership work.

The ladies’ cycling group, a partnership between Everyone Active and local social housing provider Trent & Dove, has received a brand-new Tom Cat bike - designed for adults with mobility challenges – to support more ladies into outdoor cycling.

Building on its strong partnership with Trent & Dove, Sustainable Building Services, a national contractor specialising in residential energy-efficiency improvements, low-carbon technology and whole-house retrofit projects, donated the bike as part of its commitment to delivering social impact in the communities where it works, including Burton.

The cycling group, now in its fourth year, welcomes dozens of ladies to the cycling track at Shobnall Leisure Complex, in Burton on Trent, every Monday morning.

It highlights the benefits of outdoor exercise and preventing social isolation.

Over time, the group has become much more than just a place to cycle. Members have supported one another through life’s ups and downs, celebrated birthdays, welcomed grandchildren, and built friendships.

For some women recovering from hip and knee operations, cycling is part of their physiotherapy and rehabilitation journey.

Sustainable Building Services has worked closely alongside Trent & Dove, supporting the social housing provider in delivering a retrofit decarbonisation programme to make its homes more energy efficient and reduce household bills.

Trent & Dove’s head of Customer and Communities, Rachael Hughes, said: “It’s fantastic to see how this cycling group has grown over the past four years into a supportive community where women can improve their health and wellbeing together.

“This new bike will help us welcome even more ladies to experience the benefits of outdoor exercise, while exploring and building new friendships.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Sustainable Building Services for this generous donation and for their continued partnership with Trent & Dove. It’s a great example of how strong partnerships can go beyond improving homes to make a real difference to people’s lives and the communities we serve.”

The free group meets every Monday from 10am to 12pm at Shobnall Leisure Complex, with a range of bikes, trikes and helmets provided.