Ridgeback Kids has announced a new multi-year partnership with Herne Hill Velodrome, supporting the historic South London venue’s programme of cycling skills sessions.
The partnership will see Ridgeback Kids provide a fleet of bikes to support the programme, helping more young riders take their first steps on two wheels and develop their skills and confidence as they progress.
The partnership will form part of the Ridgeback Kids Skills School programme, with dedicated branding at Herne Hill Velodrome and across Ridgeback channels. All sessions will continue to be managed and delivered by the team at Herne Hill, with Ridgeback providing the bikes and wider support to help develop the programme.
With more than a century of cycling history behind it, Herne Hill Velodrome has played a unique role in British cycling. Today, that continues through its extensive community and youth programmes, providing opportunities for children to get on a bike, learn the fundamentals and progress their riding in a safe and supportive environment.
Alongside the fleet of Ridgeback Kids bikes, the partnership will also provide wider product support from the Madison and Sportline portfolio, helping to ensure children taking part have access to appropriate equipment for their sessions.
Sessions begin with children as young as two, providing an early introduction to riding before developing skills, bike handling and independence as riders grow. Ridgeback’s support will help ensure children have access to bikes appropriate for their age, size and stage of development throughout the programme.
Kellie Parsons, Marketing Director, Madison and Sportline said: “Herne Hill is a special place in British cycling. It has an incredible history, but what really appealed to us is the work being done there today to get more children riding. Our role is to support the brilliant programme Herne Hill already has in place and give its coaches access to high-quality bikes and equipment for the children coming through their sessions. We want Ridgeback Kids to support the places doing great work at grassroots level, and Herne Hill is a perfect example of that.”
Thea Smith, Cycling Development Manager at Herne Hill Velodrome, said: “We are delighted to partner with Madison and Sportline, who are generously supporting us through their specialist bicycle brand, Ridgeback Kids. This multi-year collaboration is rooted in our shared aim: getting as many children riding as possible by equipping them with confidence and competence on two wheels. By becoming a trusted Skill School centre and receiving their top-quality cycling equipment, we can continue delivering our Learn to Cycle, Pedal Bike Club, and Youth Cycle Skills sessions. Having a lightweight, comfortable, and colourful range of Dimension, Scoot, and MX bikes in our hire fleet makes this possible. Herne Hill Velodrome proudly exists as a community hub, and Madison/Sportline understand this completely. Their wrap-around support will empower us to provide cycling activities to even more kids for many years to come!”
The dedicated fleet will be made up of Ridgeback Scoot balance bikes and the Dimension range, for a wide-range of child ages and abilities.
The multi-year partnership reflects a shared commitment from Ridgeback Kids and Herne Hill Velodrome to get more children riding. Ridgeback will provide long-term support for Herne Hill’s existing youth programme, helping more young riders get started and progress on the bike.
