The events brought some of the largest crowds out onto our streets.
The Tour de France’s Grand Depart, the London Olympics and the Tour de Yorkshire all thrust cycling into the limelight.
But whether they have ignited a sustainable cycling boom in Kirklees is now being debated between leading cycle fanatics.
We spoke to cycling veteran and former Tour de France stage winner Brian Robinson, Huddersfield Star Wheelers youth coach Tom Haworth and cycling champion and Mirfield councillor Martyn Bolt.
For Tom, the landmark events have largely increased participation.
“In the last three years our group has exploded in popularity”, he said. “Our Tuesday group is experiencing record numbers at the moment so we’ve had to change our meeting point.
“Our Go Ride group for young people has also seen a massive increase. We launched it six years ago with around eight members but that’s now rocketed to 80 so we run two sessions simultaneously.
“Last year Sport England gave us a Sportivate grant, part of an Olympic legacy project, to promote cycling to 14-year-olds and we’ve been given more this year to run balance bike sessions to get children started.
“They are now more aware of cycling and schools are more open to it, along with parents who have also got into cycling recently and are realising it’s great for their kids.
“There are lots of road races which cater for children now in Yorkshire but we are still lacking in mountain bike opportunities.
“And the bigger demand nationally has really pushed down the cost of bikes and accessories which has enabled more people around here to give cycling a go.”
Tom highlighted the need for a greater development of women’s events.
He said: “Cycling has definitely become a lot more women friendly and there are now more women than men in my beginner’s group but it’s a shame that female races still don’t get the same attention as men’s.
“Hopefully this will change as more women get into cycling.”
Brian hailed the success of the events but said that better infrastructure was needed to sustain the interest in cycling.
“We’ve seen many people take up cycling in the last three years and the events have created a great atmosphere in the region,” he said.
“The problem is that we’re now struggling for room for both cars and cyclists on our roads.
“We need to encourage kids into cycling but there are so few places they can cycle safely and I’m working the National Cycling Network to try find out how we can do that.
“Introducing more cycle tracks separate from motorists is key because that’s where the danger occurs and tackling potholes quickly is also important.
“We’re still having to swerve around holes. I sometimes think local authorities are living in a different world to us.
“I know they have had budget cuts but roads are a top resource for everyone– we need to make the roads safe for everyone.”
According to the Government’s Department of Transport, there is still some way to go to encourage more people to take to two wheels.
The latest statistics from 2013/14 show that although participation is increasing, in Kirklees only 7.8% of people are cycling at least once a month, beating only Bradford in West Yorkshire and lower than the 13.8% cycling in Calderdale,
Clr Martyn Bolt was critical about the involvement of Kirklees Council in creating a lasting legacy.
“I don’t think there’s any legacy in terms of what the local council has done following the Olympics,” he said. “The main projects and events that have emerged have been done independently of the council, such as the Huddersfield Criterium where I was approached by cycle shop owner Dave Sowerby.
“There’s not enough council money going into it – it’s a question of prioritisation and I know the council’s budget has been reduced but funds could be set aside for cycling by taking money out of different pots.
“Why not include cycling under the health budget to tackle obesity and thereby reduce the impact on our health services?
“It should be acting upon this new interest by creating a youth cycling initiative to get more young people to take part.
“Then there’s the issue of safe cycling routes. We have a huge cycling network but to me there’s no council strategy as to how to link them or how to provide good maintenance to all routes.
“They are getting gritty and in the winter this leads to people not wanting to use them because the surface becomes dangerous. Improving off road routes are essential for getting people into cycling.
“We should aspire to be like towns such as Ilkley where one in 10 residents are in a cycling club.”
Kirklees Council has outlined its work to create a lasting cycling legacy.
Adele Poppleton, Head of Active and Creative Communities said: “The council, along with our key partners (British Cycling, the CTC, Sustrans and West Yorkshire Combined Authority) is actively developing a Walking and Cycling Delivery Plan for Kirklees.
“Through our Cycle Kirklees Consultation Group and the new Infrastructure Group we are working closely with voluntary organisations, local residents and cycle enthusiasts to provide opportunities for people to cycle and to support groups to develop sustainable initiatives.”
Examples of current projects by the council and other organisations include the Sky Ride programme of leisure rides; adult cycle training courses at the cycle training centre at Leeds Road Sports Complex, Bank Bike Libraries and the development of new cycle routes into and across Huddersfield town centre.
Following the Tour de France and Tour de Yorkshire, the council and partner organisations are continuing to support cycling as a valued mode of travel, an enjoyable leisure activity and a challenging sport.”
Huddersfield Star Wheelers’ Tom Howarth and cycling champion Martyn Bolt have given their suggestions on how to start cycling.
Tom said: “Get a bike with as light a frame as your money can allow. It’s better to get a good, light frame then you can adapt the other features as you go along. Carbon frames are the best but a good aluminium one will be fine.
“Proper padded shorts are a must. Other essential items to take on a ride are a bike pump, spare inner tube, tyre leavers and a helmet. A multi-tool is also good if you know how to use it.
“It’s important to feel confident when cycling and to know how to carry out basic bike maintenance. Go to www.wygocycling.com to find free cycling training and maintenance classes near you.”
The website also includes links to local cycling routes, groups, events and information and support services for employers who want to encourage cycling amongst their staff.
Clr Martyn Bolt, added: “CTC also includes details of groups.
“Joining a club is a great way to get out. Don’t be afraid to tell the leaders your fitness ability as doing so will help you find the best section to ride with.”
Take a look at our pictures from the Huddersfield Criterium below.
