Soaring travel costs spark cycling boom

Cycling clubs are seeing membership numbers soar as more and more people ditch their cars and and take to the roads on their bikes.

The popularity of the sport is on the rise as more people look at using cheaper modes of transport amid soaring prices at the petrol pumps, while getting fit at the same time.

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Cycle shop owners including Kevin Anson who runs Lower Gornal-based repair business Pedal Sense, in Ruiton Street, said they had seen an increase in the numbers of people taking up cycling.

The 45-year-old said: "A lot of people are coming into the shop and saying they are taking up cycling because of it's costing too much to run car. They are using their bikes because of the cost of fuel.

"I think the Olympics next year will also cause more people to take up cycling."

Wolverhampton Wheelers Cycling Club, which is based at Aldersley Stadium, has seen its membership jump from 300 to 350 this year.

Vice president Robin Kyte said: "We now have 350 members, which is the biggest the club has ever been. We saw a big increase after the Beijing games and I'm sure we will see another increase next year with the London Olympics.

"I think people now see it has a lifestyle option which gives them a mode of transport and keeps them fit."

At Stourbridge Cycling Club officials have recently celebrated reaching the 200 member mark - a first in its 47-year history.

Membership secretary Bryan Hedges said the number of cyclists had grown from 150 since the start of the year.

Stafford Road Club, which organises both social and training rides, has seen numbers rise by around 50 per cent since the start of the year and now has more than 110 members.