The event was held at New Scotland Yard, Victoria Embankment, Westminster, London SW1A 2JL on Tuesday 4 May 2021 10.00am.

Colin Nye Honorary President Bluelight CC said ‘The club has been created to support all blue light workers, partner agencies and the armed forces to attain the physical and mental health benefits from cycling.

The last year has placed an enormous strain on our communities and we sincerely believe this is an opportunity to help our colleagues. They will also benefit from exclusive benefits that no other cycling club can offer.’

Chief Superintendent Roy Smith Metropolitan Police said ‘The work undertaken by the emergency services and partners like the armed forces is unlike other vocations and sometimes sees our colleagues subjected to repeated trauma. Having a community built around a shared interest like cycling is an excellent way to decompress in a safe space. I am delighted to be able to support this initiative in a small way and wish all those involved the very best of luck”.

 

Background

In 2019 Colin Nye and two colleagues from the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) originally arranged a charity cycle ride from London2Paris for June 2020 in aid of COPS (Care of Police Survivors.)

Partner businesses supported this venture by providing support and discounts to the original riders. This included Endurance Zone, WKG Sports, iPro hydration and Grand Tour Coffee. This event was cancelled along with the subsequent ride in 2021 due to travel restrictions. Imposed in response to the COVID19 pandemic.

But that was not the end, interest in emergency services cycling grew on Twitter and various other platforms. This led to a variety of emergency workers from different agencies meeting virtually on Zoom in March 2021 and the vision of the Bluelight Cycling Club was realised.

The club, which is a not for profit community interest company, will support five charities, each on linked to the relevant emergency services.

 

Member Benefits

On May 4 this club will officially launch its website and club kit along with the benefits scheme supported by David Birch from Endurance Zone.

The club has also teamed up with Wahoo Fitness, an international indoor bike trainer and accessories company.

As a member you will have access to hundreds of exclusive discounts with some of sports biggest brands. Nike, Adidas, Muc-Off, Giant, SIS, Cyclist Magazine, Cycling Weekly, Le Col, Grand Tour Coffee, Audible, Reebok, Pelotan, Velo Skin, Bum Butter, RGT, Rouvy, Fulgaz the list goes on.

We have also secured free unlimited group rides on RGT with no additional costs to our members.

We will have at least 2 major events yearly – London 2 Paris, Coast 2 Coast for example with our first ride confirmed for the UK in June 2021. Members will also be put into a ballot to enter any Velo29 event free of charge plus further partner events through out the year. Most importantly we have a wellbeing and wellness section with tips, advice and support features.

Our members area is packed full of content blogs, videos, recipes plus much more.

Our club Ambassadors who will be joining us on rides throughout the year include the following: Austin Healey, Martin Johnson, Matt Stephens, Brian Smith, Phillipa York, Chris Pritchard, Andy Goode, Sam Ward, Ron Keeble, Tom Gaymor & Sharron Davies MBE.

The club will evolve and is fully inclusive for all abilities. From cycling 500 yards for coffee and cake to riding all day you!ll be able to find like minded friends. This decentralised approach will allow you as members to find your best fit within a supportive and safe environment.

There are huge benefits in regular cycling. It is the third most popular recreational activity in the UK with nearly 4 million people riding a bike each month. It!s an easy way to exercise. You could even use it to get to work. Money saved and exercise combined, what could be better!

So whether you are a yellow jersey contender with a state of the art carbon-frame bike, or have just dusted off your old bike from the garage we encourage you all to take the chance to cycle just once a week and join the UK!s most inclusive cycling club.

 

Launch Day

The launch took place outside New Scotland Yard. Members of the armed forces and emergency services were in attendance in uniform.

Allan Woodhouse, (NHS Chair of the Bluelight CC)

Paul Mcclenaghan, Borough Commander London Fire Brigade, Havering

Roy Smith, Chief Supt. Met Police

Major Mark Winstanley, (Emergency Medicine Registrar British Army) was in attendance in uniform.

Ben and Steve Joughin, owners of Provision Custom Clothing Clothing partners to Bluelight Cycling Club

Chris Pritchard, club ambassador Commonwealth Sprinter and Youtube sensation

Ron Keeble, 1972 Munich Olympic Bronze medallist Cycling Team Pursuit, ex professional cyclist and organiser of Tour of Britain

Andy Goode, Ex pro rugby union player and now sports commentator

 

For more information visit www.bluelightcc.co.uk