Discover the thrills of cycling at Herne Hill Velodrome
- Sep 9, 2024
Located in the heart of London, Herne Hill Velodrome is a cycling haven with a rich history and a bright future. As one of the oldest cycling tracks in the world and the only surviving venue from the 1948 Olympic Games, the velodrome offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
A long-time partner of Frog Bikes, the velodrome offers a variety of cycling sessions, classes, coaching, educational programs, and fun events for children as young as 2 years old.
A hub for cyclists of all ages and skill levels
Herne Hill Velodrome is more than just a track; it's a vibrant community where cyclists of all ages and abilities can hone their skills. The velodrome offers a diverse range of cycling activities, including track riding, mountain biking, cyclocross, and learn-to-ride sessions on kids bikes.
With dedicated programs for both adults and kids, everyone from beginners to experienced riders can find something to enjoy.
You can find details about these sessions here >>
Exciting upgrades and new initiatives
The velodrome is continually evolving to enhance the experience for its visitors.
“Recently, we upgraded our fleet of Frog bikes, ensuring that young riders have access to premium bikes during their cycling sessions. These lightweight and sturdy bikes are perfect for helping children build confidence on two wheels,” commented Harry Horsman, Herne Hill Velodrome’s Kids Cycling Development Officer.
Herne Hill Velodrome also introduced the Pedal Stars certificate scheme, a fun and educational program that rewards young cyclists as they progress through four levels of cycling competence. Starting with the basics of pedalling and culminating in group riding and off-road techniques, this program is designed to nurture confident and skilled cyclists.
“In addition to these improvements, we're thrilled to be developing our off-road trails area, thanks to a generous grant from the Rapha Foundation. Our goal is to create an all-weather, all-abilities off-road experience that will keep cyclists coming back year-round,” commented Harry.
Nurturing the next generation of cyclists
Herne Hill Velodrome is passionate about fostering a love for cycling in young people. Their programs cater to children as young as two years old, starting with balance bike classes and progressing to pedal bikes as they grow. The Pedal Bike Club and Youth Cycle Skills sessions offer structured, coach-led activities that teach essential cycling skills in a fun and supportive environment. You can see details about these sessions here >>
For older kids and teens, they offer more advanced sessions on kids' bikes, including track cycling, mountain biking, and cyclocross. These programs are designed to challenge young cyclists and help them develop the skills needed to tackle more complex cycling disciplines. You can find details about these sessions here >>
Getting involved - Join the fun!
Whether you're a local family or just visiting, getting involved at Herne Hill Velodrome is easy. They offer a full schedule of sessions and events throughout the week, and their friendly staff are always on hand to answer questions and provide guidance. Plus, with the historic backdrop of the 1948 Olympic venue, a visit to the velodrome is an experience in itself.
Mark your calendar
As we move into autumn, Herne Hill Velodrome is gearing up for some exciting events. Their annual bonfire night is a highlight, featuring a spectacular fireworks display that draws crowds from all over. They're also hosting the Spooktastic Cycling event for kids, as well as the popular cyclocross race, Muddy Hell. These events are perfect opportunities to experience the vibrant community spirit at Herne Hill Velodrome. Keep an eye out on social media and Herne Hill Velodrome's website for more information.
The power of partnership
“Our partnership with Frog Bikes has been instrumental in making cycling accessible to more young people. By providing top-quality bikes for our youth sessions, we've removed the barrier of needing to own a bike, ensuring that all children can participate in our cycling activities. The durability and design of Frog bikes make them ideal for young riders, and their lightweight frames are perfect for helping kids master the art of cycling.” commented Harry.
“The success of this partnership is evident in the growing number of participants in our youth programs. Our inner track sessions are often fully booked on weekends, a testament to the expert coaches that we have and the quality equipment that we can offer thanks to Frog Bikes,” concluded Harry.
Engaging with the local community
At Herne Hill Velodrome, they're committed to promoting cycling within the local community. They regularly host school groups, community events, and open days designed to introduce more people to the joys of cycling. By working with organisations like Mums for Lungs and advocating for safer, cleaner streets, they're helping to create a healthier environment for young cyclists.
So, why not come on down to Herne Hill Velodrome? Whether you're a beginner or a pro, Herne Hill Velodrome has kids' bikes sessions for you.
