A popular cycling hub is set to close and join another facility in a bid to make the sport accessible to as many people as possible.
Leavesden Cycle Hub’s team moved to its Watford Cycle Hub’s purpose-built site in The Pavilion, Chaffinch Lane, today (July 4) and the organisation said it will vacate the Leavesden building by the end of July.
Watford Cycle Hub founder Kate Jenkins said: “Since the pandemic, we’ve seen massive changes in the popularity of cycling and the cost-of-living situation means people want different things from us.
“Because we aim to offer affordable support, we want to make better use of our facilities in West Watford and reach out to areas across the whole of Three Rivers.”
In future, the Cycle Hub will continue to offer training at Leavesden and is looking at running its highly popular programmes at different sites which may be currently underserved.
The Cycle Hub’s mobile workshop will also be seen more often in parks in places like Rickmansworth, Abbots Langley, and Chorleywood Bike Health Checks, offering simple fixes and advice.
The Three Rivers District Council’s councillor Paul Rainbow, lead member for transport, said: “While it is disappointing to see the Leavesden Cycle Hub close its doors, we appreciate that this will have been a hard decision for Watford Cycle Hub to make.
“We remain committed to working with both Watford Cycle Hub and One YMCA to offer the best range of services and facilities to benefit and support all of our residents, not only at Leavesden but across the whole district.”
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Cllr Rainbow outlined a potential changed for the facility once the Leavesden Cycle Hub officially moves on.
He said: “In positive news, we understand that One YMCA has decided to take the opportunity of the Cycle Hub vacating its facility to explore what options they have to be able to expand the café area for all residents to enjoy. We understand they are also endeavouring to create a YMCA Workspace, for local hybrid and remote workers.
“The café has been from going strength to strength since its refurbishment, and the prospect for expansion can we hope create new opportunities.”
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