We are proud to promote Accelerate – The Sustainable Events Fund, an initiative designed to inspire and support cycling communities across the UK in reducing the environmental impact of cycling events across the country. 

This fund, totalling £26,000, provides 100 grants of £250 each, alongside resources such as toolkits, guidance, and opportunities for shared learning. By empowering clubs, groups, and events to adopt sustainable practices, Accelerate aims to spark lasting change. Additionally, a £1,000 grant will reward the initiative that demonstrates the greatest impact and potential for long-term learning.

Why Accelerate Matters

The purpose of Accelerate is simple: to empower, equip, and elevate.

• Empower event organisers to take meaningful action to reduce their carbon footprint.
• Equip communities with the tools, resources, and knowledge to drive change.
• Elevate the conversation around sustainability and inspire others to follow suit.

Here’s how some incredible cycling clubs and organisations are already making a difference with their initiatives:

Sustainable solutions for Solent Pirates

The Solent Pirates are leading the charge in sustainability with three innovative initiatives for their round of the National Trophy Series:

1. Electric Jet-Washers: By providing 12 centralised electric jet-washers, the club eliminated the need for 600 competitors to bring their own, reducing travel weight, water use, and fuel consumption by up to 80%.
2. Event Consolidation: Introducing an inter-regional championship into their National Trophy event saved the need for an entirely separate event, significantly cutting travel and emissions.
3. Tree Planting: With plans to plant up to 300 trees, the club is offsetting the event’s carbon footprint and creating a legacy of environmental impact.

These initiatives demonstrate how practical, scalable solutions can inspire change across the sport.

Building Bikes, Building Communities

The Cycle Speedway Commission identified a pressing need for sustainable bikes to increase accessibility and reduce waste. Partnering with the Cameroonian Project, they’re repurposing old and damaged bikes into fully functioning “pool” bikes for training and racing.

1. Environmental Impact: This project diverts bikes destined for landfill and reuses components to build new ones.
2. Social Impact: It trains young people in bike maintenance, teaching valuable skills and fostering self-sufficiency.
3. Inclusion: By providing affordable bikes, the initiative ensures young riders—especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds—can participate in events.

With a suggested grant allocation of £2,500 for 14 bikes, the Commission is helping clubs secure sustainable equipment while inspiring a culture of recycling and reuse.

Efficiency Through Location Change at Ythan Cycle Club

For Ythan Cycle Club, sustainability starts with logistics. The club relocated its equipment storage to a space closer to their Wheelpark, eliminating unnecessary travel.

1. Annual Savings: The change saves over 3,200 miles of travel and 192 hours annually.
2. Environmental Impact: Reduced fuel consumption and emissions contribute to a more sustainable operation.
3. Time Efficiency: Coaches and event organisers save valuable time, allowing them to focus on community-building activities.

This simple yet effective solution showcases how small adjustments can lead to significant environmental and logistical benefits.

How You Can Get Involved

Accelerate is open to clubs, groups, and events committed to reducing their environmental impact. Whether you’re just beginning your sustainability journey or looking to enhance existing practices, this fund can help. Grants will be evaluated based on:

• Need: Prioritising events with limited existing sustainability measures.
• Impact Potential: Rewarding initiatives that inspire positive change in participants, volunteers, and communities.
• Innovation: Encouraging creative and untested solutions to environmental challenges.

Join the Movement

Together, we can create a greener future for cycling. If you’re ready to take the first step or elevate your current efforts, apply for Accelerate today. Let’s innovate, inspire, and drive change across our cycling communities.

To learn more about eligibility and application details, visit our website here.

Let’s ride towards a more sustainable future—one event at a time.