Pedal power booming at Shrewsbury Sports Village
Cycling is booming at Shrewsbury Sports Village, with the outdoor closed-road 1km circuit seeing a 300% increase in usage since February 2023.
Momentum behind the activity has grown thanks to the motivational push of Ioan Said, who started working at the Shropshire Council-owned venue that month.
Ioan, who lives in Wrexham, spends two days a week at Shrewsbury Sports Village promoting cycling as a sport and leisure activity for all. For him, going out for a ride with his wife and son has become a way for the whole family to stay healthy and bond together, and his goal is to encourage others to discover the benefits of cycling, regardless of their experience level.
Ioan Said
Ioan said:-
“The people of Shrewsbury are so fortunate to have this closed-road outdoor circuit on their doorstep. This type of track is actually quite rare in the UK, but it gives cyclists the chance to enjoy their ride without the bother of cars, motorbikes, traffic lights or speed bumps. This is a safe place to cycle for people of all levels.
“Since I started here, we’ve staged a number of key events, many of which had never been to Shrewsbury Sports Village. We’ve had Team GB’s paracycling team use our track as a training camp, Beavers and Cubs have started coming and later this month, we’ll be welcoming an Invictus Training Camp.
“As a special treat, children who come to cycle with during one of their Saturday sessions could receive a free Mid-Shropshire Wheelers shirt. These tops look great, and with the prominent yellow colouring might even inspire dreams of one day leading the Tour de France. Stocks and sizes are limited, so it’s a first come, first served basis.
“If people want to try the track, we run various sessions through the week, including our popular Inclusive Club for people with disabilities, which runs every Tuesday between 10am and 3pm and of course Mid-Shropshire Wheelers Go-Ride sessions for young people every Saturday at 11am. All details are on our website, but we also have a dedicated Facebook page called “Cycling at the Shrewsbury Sports Village”.
Robert Macey, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture and digital, said:-
“Ioan has done an excellent job since he started in February, and love for the cycle track and the different activities on offer is growing.
“Cycling is excellent both for fitness and getting about and we are delighted so many people are now taking part in activities at our sports village and recognising what a unique opportunity the centre has to offer.”
Full details about the cycle track click are available here or to join the Facebook group click here.
Shrewsbury Sports Village, along with the Quarry, Oswestry Leisure Centre and Market Drayton Swimming & Fitness Centre, is operated by Shropshire Community Leisure Trust in partnership with Serco Leisure, and on behalf of Shropshire Council.
