THE POPULARITY of cycling is still on the increase with existing clubs showing increased membership, new clubs starting up, and old clubs that ceased in the 80s and 90s reforming.

The designs of kits are noticeably retro as well.

At one time Keighley had four big clubs: along with the Bronte Wheel ers there were Keighley Velo, Keighley Road Club and Keighley St Christopher’s.

So although the popularity is increasing we are not yet at the levels on a club basis that Keighley used to have in the 30s, 40s and 50s. This is probably due to the fact that people do not use bikes to the same extent they once did as their primary form of transport.

The recent rise in popularity of cycling as a sport is undoubtedly linked to the recent success of British riders on the international stage, in particular the Olympics and the Tour de France. This is encouraging, dare I say it, older riders back on their bikes after a period getting careers going and dealing with the pressures of family life.

It is not just these people though, there is a notable increase in the numbers of kids starting cycling as their sport of choice.

The Marley Kids’ club run by Brontes’ Peter Charleton through the summer once again proved popular and also generated interest from local schools to get involved. This demand has resulted in a Saturday morning club being set up by Peter and staff from Oakbank School and has also got the support of parents and through them sponsorship.

After meeting with the parents and sponsors plans are afoot to formalise the Kids’ club under the Bronte banner, with their own kit. The provisional club name will be Bronte Wheelers Tykes, being sponsored by local businesses Aire Valley Cycles and GHS Plumbing and Heating.

Provisional designs for the new kit have been agreed and hopefully it won’t be long before we see them on the podium in local events as the kids are currently doing well already in the local cyclocross leagues.

Added to the new shirts the new club will have new coaches and a welfare officer which means we can keep the training sessions going for more of the year.

New members are always welcome so if your children want to get involved please contact Peter Charleton on 01535 643184. Sessions are every Saturday at 11am at Oakbank School.

For the adults we are still riding out from the Cliffe Castle roundabout Skipton Old Road, Keighley, on Sunday mornings from 9.30am. These rides are usually 40 miles or so and this time of year they are at a steady pace, so come along and give it a try.

If you are unsure you can give me a ring on 01535 631373 for detail or any questions. New members are always welcome. Keep an eye on our Facebook page.