Bolton Road Community Cycling Club

16/04/2026

In August 2016, nearly ten years ago, I organised a bike ride on the canal towpath from Shipley to Leeds. I consider this ride as a precursor to the start of the Bolton Road Community Cycling Club.

There were a number of people who wanted to participate but had no pedal bikes. Adam Tusker MBE loaned us a few bikes from the
University of Bradford Cycling Group. I transported four bikes at a time with my car to Shipley station the evening before the ride. I made two trips and locked the bikes at the bike stand at the railway station.

The next day, early in the morning made two more trips and transported eight more bikes. I had received support from the British Cycling Sky Ride Leader (Sarah), who came to lead the ride. I think Sky Ride days were glorious days for British Cycling.
We had twenty-two riders participating in the ride. Many riders were new to the canal towpath.

I realised that to encourage people into riding, there is a need to provide them with a bike initially so that they can experience the joy of riding. The Management Committee of the Ramgharia Gurdwara, who provide us a room to store bikes and the Cycling UK gave us a small grant to buy second-hand bikes from the Capital of Cycling.

Since the setup of the Club, we now have three rides a week. On Sunday in Peel Park from 1.30 pm to 15.30 pm. An evening ride on Thursday and a longer ride on Saturday.

It is gratifying to see so many people using the club to participate in cycling and improve their skills.

I am sharing the video we made of the precursor ride to the formation of Bolton Road Community Cycling Club.

5 likes. "Sikh Bike Ride: Cycle Sportive 2016 Day 1 Highlights"

03/04/2026

An Evening Ride Turns into a Shocking Incident on the Canal Towpath

On Thursday evening (6.35 pm), April 2nd, five members of the Bolton Road Community Cycling group set out on the weekly Thursday evening ride. Our original plan was to ride on the Cycle Superhighway 1. However, at the last minute, we decided to take a safer path along the Canal Road Greenway and then onto the canal towpath heading toward Leeds.

The early part of the ride went well, and we stopped briefly at Apperley Bridge to capture a group photo before continuing onward. The riders split naturally along the way — the two ladies rode side by side on electric-assist bikes, while the two other members followed just behind them. I was much ahead of the group.

About a mile from the Rodley Natural Reserve towards Leeds, near a bend in the canal towpath, the peaceful atmosphere abruptly changed. Three young men dressed in dark clothing appeared on the path, walking towards the cyclists. Without warning, one of the lads pushed a lady cyclist off her electric bike and snatched her bike, causing her to fall into the ditch beside the canal. She screamed in shock and fear, shouting that she had been robbed. Unfortunately, the two riders following behind were around the bend at that moment and did not witness the attack.

Fortunately, the scream was heard by a nearby gentleman (Michael) who was on the other side of the canal. Reacting quickly, ran to his pickup truck and drove to the entrance of the Rodley Natural Reserve, where he blocked the canal towpath. He confronted the three men, who panicked and abandoned the stolen bike before fleeing the scene. This brave and timely intervention helped secure the safe return of the club’s electric bike.

Michael contacted the police, reporting the assault and the attempted theft. A patrol car with two officers arrived promptly and took statements from the group members. Thankfully, the lady involved was not injured despite the fall, but the experience left a lasting impact on everyone present. What started as an enjoyable ride turned into a frightening ordeal, highlighting concerns about safety on what should be calm and family-friendly paths.

Is the Canal Towpath Safe for Cyclists?

This incident raises urgent questions about the safety of the canal towpath, especially as snatching of electric bikes becomes an increasing concern.

For the Bolton Road Community Cycling group, the hope is that no one else will have to endure what we experienced that evening. Cycling remains a wonderful way to stay active and appreciate the outdoors, but only if riders feel safe and supported. It is time for those in power to act swiftly and ensure that the canal towpath continues to be a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

In conclusion, the unexpected incident at Rodley Natural Reserve serves as a stark reminder that safety must never be taken for granted. Thanks to the quick thinking of a good Samaritan, we did not lose our club bike. The wider issue remains that protecting cyclists and their property on our trails is a priority that cannot wait.

We returned to the Clubhouse at 10.10 pm.

22/02/2026

We had a club bike ride on Saturday (21/2), to Cliff Castle in Keithley. This was our first ride in February. With all the rain, the Club has not been able to organise rides since the start of 2026.

It was a lovely day for the ride. We stopped at Cliffe Castle cafe for a cup of coffee.

See photos of the ride.

22/12/2025

On Saturday, 20 December 2025, four members of the Bolton Road Community Cycling Club participated in a remembrance walk in the Peak District. This walk was a solemn tribute to the legacy of Guru Gobind Singh's four children, who made the ultimate sacrifice during a tumultuous time in Sikh history.

The ‘Kinder Scout Circular Walk,’ an 8.5-mile walk situated in the Peak District, was organised by the Manchester Sikh Federation. We were seventeen participants in total.

The route presented considerable challenges and traversed formidable countryside. During the ascent, foggy conditions limited visibility, and the temperature was low; however, the demanding two-mile climb provided warmth through exertion. Thankfully, it was not raining.

At the highest point, we paused; observed a minute's silence, reflecting on the bravery of Guru Gobind Singh’s children. The silence was an acknowledgement of the immense courage displayed by the martyrs, who remained steadfast in their faith.

Though this is not cycling related post, I thought it is appropriate to show wider participation of the cycling Club members.

See some photos taken at the walk.

12/12/2025

Bolton Road Community Cycling Club had an evening ride on 11th December 2025 to Leeds to see the Christmas Lights. Seven members on the ride. Leeds at night is different, vibrant and welcoming. The ride finished with a hot chocolate/coffee at Weatherspoon Leeds railway station. Everyone enjoyed the outing.

22/09/2025

Bolton Road Community Cycling Club: Annual Yatra (Multi-faith) Bike Ride Announcement

Join us in celebrating the anniversary of the Bolton Road Community Cycling Club with our annual Yatra Bike ride, a multi-faith event that promotes unity and community spirit!

Date: Saturday, 27th September 2025
Meeting Point: Ramgharia Sikh Temple, 720 Bolton Road, BD3 0ND – the Clubhouse entrance is on Cliff Road
Registration: 8:00 am - 8:20 am
Ride Start: 8:30 am sharp

Itinerary:
8:45 am: Stop at Bradford Cathedral
9:15 am: Singh Sabha Gurudwara
9:30 am: Guru Gobind Singh Gurdwara
10:00 am: Hindu Mandir Leeds Road
10:30 am: Masjid Leeds Road

We'll then head towards the Cycle Superhighway (CS1) to Leeds, stopping at Chapel Allerton Gurdwara by 11:45 am. Our return journey will commence at 12:15 pm. Expected arrival back at the Clubhouse around 1:30 pm.

The ride is designed for all experience levels—there will be a leisurely pace to ensure everyone can enjoy the day. If you prefer not to ride the entire distance, you can opt to take a train from Leeds back to Bradford.

Please spread the word! Share this event with your friends and on social media. To help us with planning, kindly confirm your participation by replying to this message.

Thanks, and we look forward to seeing you there!

22/08/2025

16/08/2025

As part of Bradford City of Culture 2025 and thanks to support from the Ark Project, Bolton Road Community Cycling Club and EcoSikhUK welcome you to join:

Cycle, walk and chat - a community journey to Rodley Nature Reserve LS13 1HP

Sunday 24th August 2025

Start: 10am, Bolton Road Community Cycling Club

720 Bolton Road, BD3 0ND (entrance is from Cliff Road)

Via: Canal Road and Green Way to Shipley, then cycle on the Shipley Leeds Canal towpath

Finish: 1 pm, return to the start point.

No bike? The Club has some to borrow, just register your interest and come and ride.

Don't cycle? You can meet us at the nature reserve for a walk at 11.30am

Free drinks and snacks will be available for participants who wish to stay for a chat about why community is so important in today's world.

Everyone welcome from all backgrounds for a respectful, engaging discussion to feed our heart, mind and soul.

Limited spaces, please contact to register interest:

[email protected]

07828762961

30/07/2025

For Bradford East, the Global Village Program, designed to bring together residents of all ages, religions, and backgrounds during the 2025 UK City of Culture year, took place in Peel Park on Saturday, 25th July 2025.

Bolton Road Community Cycling Club had a stand with two stationary turbo cycles for the public to try to check their stamina by riding a stationary bike. Club volunteers conducted inspections and performed maintenance on bicycles. Both events of the Club were an immense success.

Thanks to Ms Jess Mallison, Ward Office, Neighbour and Communities Services, Bradford East, for her support.

See photos of the event – children enjoying a stationary bike ride and several people waiting to get their bike checked and repaired.