Satwant Singh, a "75-year old retired young man" from Bradford, wants to inspire more people of all ages and backgrounds to try cycling. In this new video, we’re sharing the story of how Satwant is encouraging others to travel by cycle – and building a community in the process.
Satwant's desire to stay active led to him discovering the joy of cycling, which he now shares with others.
“Cycling has become a unifying force for everybody – people of different races, religion, they all come together and cycle,” says Satwant.
He's a local legend to many in Bradford, where he is regularly spotted leading group cycle rides along the National Cycle Network next to the canal or helping others to fix and maintain their cycles.
“People talk socially after the ride is over and they help each other.”
A sense of connection and camaraderie
Satwant has always been active and took up cycling following surgery on his knee, when he needed a form of low impact exercise.
He soon discovered not only the health benefits of cycling, but its power for bringing people together – and the sense of companionship, connection and camaraderie it brings.
With friends, Satwant set up Bolton Road Community Cycling Club to provide a space for people to come together and cycle.
The local Gurdwara (Sikh temple) offered a secure place for the group to park second-hand cycles for the rides.
It's there that Satwant also carries out bike maintenance checks and repairs so everyone is safe to ride.
The group regularly rides along the National Cycle Network, an interconnected network of paths providing space for people to build up confidence away from the road, connect with nature on their doorstep and forge a unique sense of community.
Satwant’s passion for cycling saw him complete a 69-mile memorial bike ride from Bradford to Coxwold in North Yorkshire in May 2024 – and he’s not stopping there.
The retiree, who previously worked at the University of Bradford, is on a mission to encourage people to discover the health and social benefits of cycling and to prove that age, background or experience need not be a barrier.
Satwant began cycling after a knee injury, and has never looked back since. Credit: Kenyons
‘It’s a magic thing’
Satwant sees the National Cycle Network as a key tool in encouraging more people to come together.
“I really hope more people will start looking at it and enjoying it, because it’s a magic thing,” he says.
Satwant’s efforts have had a profound impact on combating loneliness and promoting mental wellbeing within his community.
By encouraging people to cycle together, he has created a social activity that not only improves physical health but also builds and strengthens ties between different people.
‘Cycling can transform lives’
Rosslyn Colderley, Sustrans North Director, said:
“Satwant’s story is a wonderful example of how cycling can transform lives and communities.
“The National Cycle Network provides a safe and accessible space for everyone to experience the benefits of getting outdoors – whether walking, wheeling, cycling or riding - connecting with nature and exploring, either in your neighbourhood or further afield.
“We are thrilled to see how Satwant has harnessed its potential to bring people together.”
Support the Network
The National Cycle Network is a free, accessible space that helps people like Satwant and his club. But this national asset requires constant care and costly maintenance. Please give £10 today. Your donation could help the National Cycle Network transform many more people’s lives for generations to come.
Experience the unifying power of cycling
Spanning more than 12,000 miles across the UK, the National Cycle Network is waymarked by a number in a little red square.
It's affectionately known as the spine of walking, wheeling and cycling in the UK, and a beloved part of our active travel heritage.
Our staff and volunteers work to care for and improve this vital infrastructure, while championing a long-term vision for its future, which includes ensuring the paths are accessible for everyone.
Satwant’s story is a call to action for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the unifying power of cycling.
Whether it’s through joining a local ride, learning to maintain a bike, or simply exploring the UK; the National Cycle Network is there for you.
