RETAILERS
possible - cycle proficiency training, group rides, buddy programmes, along with servicing and repairs. On the barriers families need to overcome to start cycling
Balnave said: “A big barrier is confidence. Whether that’s cycling confidence or knowing local routes. “Cycling confidence is attached to not seeing other people
cycling that much. If you see lots of other people doing it that inspires confidence, but if you don’t, it’s the opposite. “In recent times, cost is a big barrier. It doesn’t cost a lot to put a child’s seat on your bike, but anything more than that - costs have ramped up as equipment has improved.” Balnave believes Enfield has great potential to encourage more people to ride their bikes, in part thanks to the development of safe cycling infrastructure, including the Mini-Holland project, which involved the installation of segregated cycle lanes on major roads and developing cycle hubs at local train stations. “Enfield has actually made good strides, giving credit to the council,” said Balnave. “From my perspective, there was a last push needed to close the gap around equipment and confidence.”
Early days The Family Bike Club is still in its early phases, having only been fully operational since early 2023, but Balnave said he’s already seen some excitement about the enterprise. But with a cost of living crisis to contend with, starting a non-profit organisation has not been without its hurdles: “It has definitely been tough until maybe the last six weeks. Financially everything has been tough, especially for a new entity when there’s not existing business, it’s been massively tough. “We were helped out by a crowdfunder last summer, which got us moving in terms of big initial cost, but then you’ve still got your rent and everything. It’s not even close to breaking even at the moment, so I’m having to fund it a bit personally, but we’re hoping the next few months can be really game-changing in terms of really good trade.”
Luke Balnave, of the Family Bike Club
Local response On the initial reaction to the Family Bike Club, Balnave said: “Initially people have been genuinely very keen and sticking their heads in, being amazingly supportive and wanting us to succeed. “In terms of the family support, I think people are curious about what we’ve got, but it’s another step to get them to make the jump and actually try it.” Balnave said already he has seen families hire cargo bikes and trailers for short periods, while many have very quickly realised the benefits and have instead
20 | August 2023
www.bikebiz.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
