North Halifax Partnership's Community Building Bike Competitions

The North Halifax Partnership (NHP) is a community-focused organisation based in Halifax, West Yorkshire. It delivers a wide range of initiatives designed to improve local wellbeing and strengthen public services.

The NHP has been a key partner in system change work with Parks and Green Spaces (GSSS) and now leads on several Park Partnership Groups across North Halifax, including Mixenden, Beechwood Park, and Shroggs Park. These groups are helping to develop a community-led approach to improving and maintaining local parks and green spaces.

Encouraging Active Communities Through Cycling

One of the most exciting recent projects has been the North Halifax Bike Competitions - a series of six friendly cycling events held across green spaces including Beechwood Park, Shroggs Park, Forest Cottage, and the Mixenden Activity Centre.

Across these sessions, 68 young people took part, competing in a range of fun bike challenges for the chance to win 'Mags on Ramps' vouchers.

The aim of the Bike Comps was twofold:

1. To engage young people in shaping the future of biking infrastructure in their local area.

2. To encourage regular physical activity through cycling and connect participants with the new Active Travel Hubs.

   
   

The project was delivered in partnership with Sam Lionheart from the North Halifax Active Travel Hubs, who played a key role in supporting young riders throughout the series.

Real Stories, Real Impact

The impact of the 'Bike Comps' went beyond the events themselves. They inspired skill development, confidence, and community connection.

• From learning to wheelie to mastering new tricks: One young boy attended the first competition, unable to wheelie. Motivated by the experience, he practised in his own time, and by the next event, he proudly showed off his new skill, earning a top placement. This was a perfect example of how a structured, fun activity can spark motivation and progress.

  
  

• On-the-spot bike repairs and learning opportunities: With his portable bike maintenance workshop, Sam Lionheart attended every event, helping young people fix and maintain their bikes. This not only enabled more participants to take part, but also encouraged long-term active travel across North Halifax.

  
  

• Turning boredom into active fun: At one event in Shroggs Park, a group of young people were sitting around with their bikes, unsure what to do. Once the 'Bike Comp' began, they joined in, spending the next two hours riding, practising, and trying out new tricks. It was a powerful reminder that when young people are given structured, inclusive opportunities, they thrive.

Voices from the Community

“We were so happy to help grow and support the local biking community in North Halifax through hyper-local, accessible competitions.” - North Halifax Partnership staff member

“I can’t wheelie yet, but I’m going to practise loads before the next competition!” - Young participant

“When’s the next comp? I want to see how far I can wheelie next time after even more practice!” - Young participant

“My sons are on their bikes all the time. It’s so good to have a structured opportunity for them to take part.” - Parent

“I cycled 20 minutes up that big hill to take part today!” - Young participant

A Lasting Legacy

The North Halifax Bike Comps have shown how local, community-driven initiatives can make a big impact. Not only by encouraging physical activity, but by building pride, confidence, and connection among young people.

Through collaboration between North Halifax Partnership, Active Calderdale, and the Active Travel Hubs, cycling is becoming more than just a mode of transport - it’s a way to bring people together, improve wellbeing, and create lasting community change.