Foundation staff get behind Ride to Work Week

As part of its mission to have a greater impact on the community, Club Doncaster Foundation has seen many of its staff members opt to cycle their commute to work.

In partnership with Love to Ride, who celebrate Ride to Work Week this week, the Foundation has seen an increase in staff who travel to and from the Keepmoat Stadium on bikes.

The Foundation is aiming to get as many people as possible cycling throughout the Doncaster region, and has turned to its staff to lead the way.

Club Doncaster Sports College deputy principal, Joe Burton, has been an avid cyclist for numerous years, stating how important cycling is to the community. Joe has continued to cycle during Ride to Work Week, and feels it is imperative people continue to cycle, even if just by slightly increasing the amount of time they spend on a bike during a week.

His impact has seen his fellow colleagues, Mark Ellames, Will Biggs and Ian Dabell, also cycle their commutes to work.

Mark, a sports lecturer at the College, has been determined to begin cycling to work, with Ride to Work Week being the perfect opportunity for him to start.

He said: “As I live within a 15-minute drive from the stadium, I've always jumped in the car out of habit.

“Since borrowing a bike from Scott, I have found that not only do I avoid the traffic, but I have noticed my body fat percentage has reduced and my overall health has improved."

The Foundation are an active supporter of Love to Ride, having taken part in both Cycle September and Winter Wheelers in the past 12 months, winning an award for the former.

Health and wellbeing officer, Scott Copeland, stated that the Foundation will continue to encourage people to cycle, and how it “makes a huge difference to people’s mentality”.

He said: “It’s great to support Bike to Work Week as it can be a catalyst for people to change their travel behaviours. Having access to bikes from the Bike Library allows us to offer interested parties a risk-free trial which we hope will initiate a long-term change. 

“We have been a huge supporter of Love to Ride and recognise them as a way to connect and motivate people in the modern age. On top of the benefits of cost saving, improved physical and mental wellbeing our participants like the team element and find that contributes to their motivation.”

Love to Ride UK continues to partner up with organisations across the UK, offering amazing gifts for those taking part in their cycling campaigns including bikes, trips aboard and cycling accessories.

For anyone wanting to get into cycling or learn more about other opportunities the Foundation are able to offer through the partnership with Doncaster Council, please contact Scott Copeland on 01302 764663.

For more information on how you can get involved, please visit https://clubdoncasterfoundation.co.uk/health-and-wellbeing/cycling