British Cycling membership swells to 33,000

British Cycling has reported that its membership has swelled to 33,000, an increase of 16 per cent in the past 12 months. It's the highest level of membership since the organisation formed in 1959.

Britain's governing body for cycling published its annual report this week, outlining its performance in the past year.

"We now have 33,000 members and in September alone our membership grew by over 1,000 individuals, our biggest growth to date in a single month," said BC chief executive Ian Drake.

"We have also seen an increase in the number of licence holders and increased participation at competitive and non-competitive events, bucking the national trend of a decline in sport participation."

Much of the increase in membership can be attributed to the introduction of a 'Ride' membership alongside the existing bronze, silver and gold membership levels aimed more toward competitive cyclists. Over 3,000 signed up for Ride membership this year.

Two thirds of BC members belong to one of 1,500 affliated cycling clubs. BC is aiming to achieve 100,000 members by 2013.

BC's annual report also states that there has been a 15 per cent increase in competitive events, showing that the sport in Britain is in rude health.

The success of the mass-participation Sky Ride events was also highlighted. More than 298,000 people have taken part in the free events since they started in July 2009.

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External link

British Cycling 2010 annual report

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