A scheme to get people on bikes has had a Lottery windfall.
Streetbikes, the Kirklees project set up to encourage people to try cycling, has today secured almost £½m of funds from the National Lottery.
It means they can step up their work to revamp old bicycles and pass them on to people who want to get on two wheels.
The Big Lottery Fund is providing some leap year inspiration to groups in Yorkshire and the Humber to help improve local communities and the lives of people most in need.
More than £3.5m is being shared between 105 organisations, including projects in Kirklees and Calderdale.
Streetbikes CIC in Kirklees has received £499,208 to continue providing people from a range of backgrounds with access to bikes and cycling in order to address long-term health problems as well as wider social issues and concerns.
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There will be a specific focus on young people, people with disabilities , ethnic minority groups, and women, although people of all ages and abilities are encouraged to get involved.
The project will be using standard bikes, trikes, carriages, hand-bikes and wheelchair bikes.
It is expected that 5,500 people will benefit over the next three years.
Gill Greaves, Streetbikes Coordinator, welcomed the huge grant and said: “This half term week we will be running some of our regular sessions.
“No bike is needed as people can lend one from our bike library and we’re also giving some recycled bikes away to the children.
“It’s really great to see how something as simple as a bike can bring so much joy to so many different people .”
The community cycling project brought miles of smiles to youngsters on Christmas Day.
Streetbikes, which recycles secondhand bikes, handed over 170 cycles to poor families.
The group provided presents for many children who would otherwise have gone without.
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Based in Milnsbridge, the project has given away 6,000 bikes in the last six years.
Keith Hickley, 67 said: “I retired as Head of Psychology at University of Huddersfield in 2012.
“I am the main carer for my wife and I was suffering from stress and put on some weight.
“Being involved in Streetbikes has given me an outlet where I can learn and be active and have more social contact which has helped me become more positive, constructive and relaxed.”
Also in Kirklees, Communities United Project has received £310,030 to develop a pilot project providing sporting and development activities for young people.
It will be delivering this alongside volunteering and learning opportunities for local adults.
They aim to engage young people in positive activities and involve older people in volunteering to help bring communities together.
Other groups to receive grants include:
Society for Blind in Dewsbury and Batley - £9,825
Staincliffe Sports and Social Club - £10,000 to refurbish clubhouse
William Henry Smith School, Brighouse - £9,635
SAFE Honley - £10,000 to provide CCTV cameras in the village
Christ Church CE Academy, Deighton - £9,979 to equip a portable building for lessons
Marsden Junior School - £9,950 for out of hours activities
Holmfirth Air Training Corps - £9,041 for training and flight simulation classes
Newsome Junior School- £7,244 for The Hub to provide a learning centre
Crosland Moor Computer Centre - £9.990
Global Diversity Positive Action - £9,544 for photo and media workshops
United Churches Healing Ministry- £10,000 for a heating system
Eagle Eye - £9,960 for clinics for diabetes sufferers.
