The 2024 Cycle Chesterfield Festival was absolutely fantastic! What a great way to mark the 101st national bike week. Thank you Chesterfield for all of the support you’ve given to the festival, the community’s enthusiasm and positive spirit were truly inspiring.

Throughout the festival, we were joined by over 170 riders, young and old, exploring local cycle routes. For some participants, it was an opportunity to try a different form of biking, while others cycled further than ever before. For some, it was a friendly reintroduction to the joys of cycling and a chance to learn more of the routes and ways of getting around Chesterfield.

Our varied rides mixed up different lengths on both urban and rural routes. They took us all around Chesterfield, from Holymoorside right out to the county border at Creswell Crags. We looked at public art, enjoyed both urban and rural riding, and visited a variety of local businesses.

We kicked off the week with a family fun day at Holmebrook Valley Park, where we launched our brand new cycle map for Chesterfield amidst a variety of games and activities. One of the standout moments was the fantastic turnout of over 110 supporters at our social events. Cycle adventurer Emily Chappell captivated an audience at the library lecture theatre with her tales of cycling across continents. The Cycling Conversations evening at Brampton Brewery, featuring two guest speakers, also drew a great crowd and fostered a lively discussion.

We also had practical sessions like Dr Bike repair workshops, ensuring bikes were in top shape, and adapted cycling Triobike trips courtesy of Inclusive Pedals.

Thank you, Chesterfield, for making this festival a success. Your enthusiasm and support have made this an unforgettable event. We have one thing to ask of you: if you enjoyed yourself, and if you’d like to support us promoting cycling in Chesterfield and standing up for cyclists then please consider joining us. Membership costs just £5, and the more supporters we have, the stronger our voice becomes.

This event wouldn’t have been possible without the help of many people and organisations. Big thanks to:

• The Derbyshire County Council Community Leadership Scheme via Councillors Ludwig Ramsay & Judy Staton for grants towards the festival’s funding.
• Emily Chappell, Chris Rust and James Hatchett for speaking at our events.
• Inclusive Pedals for support with Dr Bike, Cycling Without Age and Women Cycle Too
• Chesterfield BMX for hosting the BMX session
• JE James for donating prizes for the fun day.
• Brampton Brewery for the use of their beer house on the social night
• The volunteers and organisers of the festival, who made all of this happen.

We haven’t finished yet though – check back on this website or follow our Facebook page to learn about our summer rides. Details coming soon.

We look forward to seeing you all soon, exploring our beautiful area on a bike. Until next time, keep riding and stay safe!