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Last modified: 08 Mar 2022 1:17pm

a line of cyclists in club lycra waiting to start a ride

Council support has helped keep the Leeston Cycle Club racing ahead.

The club runs its annual racing season from September to March with weekly races every Thursday evening around the Leeston area.

New road rules introduced by Waka Kotahi in 2021 to improve safety meant the club was facing a hefty bill of over $3000 to provide the signage required to race, Club President Mark Booth says.

The club was able to borrow signage from the Pegasus cycle club last year, but that wasn’t a long-term option.

Fortunately, the Council was able to help with a grant of $3283 from the Council’s Selwyn Community Fund helping it buy the signage needed to keep the races going.
“That money for the signs was just beautiful. We couldn’t have asked for better.”

The fund was created to support Selwyn groups and organisations that contribute to community wellbeing, aiming to increase opportunities for physical activity, participation and community as well as drawing people to Selwyn.

Leeston Cycle club fitted the brief well. Its philosophy of creating a family friendly environment to support people into keeping fit and active and having has seen membership rise by 50% this year. The club’s Thursday evening races include social, youth and development rides along with opportunities for the more competitive.

It also provides opportunities for volunteers and cyclists draws from all over including many who cycle from Christchurch to take part in the races.

Having the signs will allow the club to continue running the races for years to come, Mr Booth says.
“It helped us immensely. We can use them every year, so we’re really appreciative.”

Find out more about the Selwyn Community Fund or apply ,