Ridgeback Kids Rolls Out Fleet for Herne Hill’s Young Riders

Herne Hill Velodrome has secured a new multi-year backer for its junior cycling schemes, with Ridgeback Kids signing on to supply bikes for the venue’s popular skills sessions.

Under the agreement, the children’s bike brand will provide a dedicated fleet for use at the historic South London track, removing one of the biggest barriers facing families new to the sport: not owning a suitable bike. Organisers say the extra machines will let more youngsters, particularly complete beginners, get out on the boards and start building balance, confidence and bike-handling skills from an early age.

Herne Hill, which traces its racing history back to 1891 and hosted the cycling events for the 1948 London Olympics, has become known in recent years for its grassroots outreach as much as its heritage. Its learn-to-ride and youth development programmes are aimed squarely at widening access to track cycling beyond the traditional club pathway, and a reliable supply of correctly sized bikes has long been central to keeping sessions running smoothly.

For Ridgeback, the tie-up offers a visible link between its junior range and one of Britain’s most storied velodromes, while for Herne Hill it eases the logistical and financial pressure of kitting out growing numbers of first-time riders.

On Track readers with young families will recognise why this matters: track cycling’s biggest hurdle at grassroots level is rarely enthusiasm but equipment, and partnerships like this one make it easier for clubs to say yes to new faces rather than turning them away for want of a bike.

More from track cycling on On Track Magazine.

Reported from an announcement by BikeBiz. Read the original.