KEEN cyclist Taras Stefanyszyn, who set up a cycle club in Bradford and runs weekly sessions to encourage others to take up the sport, has been nominated for this year’s Telegraph & Argus Community Stars Awards.

Last year he set up the Bradford Cycle Club which runs out of the Pavilion Cafe in Centenary Square.

The group provides a much-needed cycle club for inner city residents and has already engaged with more than 300 cyclists.

In addition Mr Stefanyszyn led a 400-mile charity bike ride from Bradford to the city’s twin town of Roubaix in France. The successful trip saw 12 people take part and raised thousands of pounds for Yorkshire Cancer Research and Cycling 4 All.

It is now set to become an annual event and the 2017 trip will be raising money for the same two charities, with the addition of the Bradford Bulls Foundation.

This reflects the fact that Mr Stefanyszyn has been working with the foundation and has started a weekly cycling at Odsal stadium where cyclists can ride in a safe off-road environment.

He is also developing initiatives to increase the number of women who cycle as well as provision for disabled cyclists at his Odsal sessions.

Mr Stefanyszyn was nominated for a Community Stars Award in the volunteer, community champion, and good neighbour categories, by Dr Adam Tasker of Bradford University.

He said: “Taras’ inclusive notion of cycling has led to him having a significant impact on the community by encouraging a large number of people to take up cycling and active lifestyles.

“His positivity and strength of character has led to significant uptake of cycling amongst the Black and Minority Ethnic community.

“Members of the Bradford cycle club truly represents the demographics of Bradford and is something that should be applauded.

“Taras’ enthusiasm is what is driving this uptake of cycling by individuals who had no club affiliation, or who had nobody else to ride with, and is the main reason why the club continues to grow.

“He is an advocate for Bradford and an example of what can be achieved to bring communities together through sport.”

The Community Stars Awards are organised by the Telegraph & Argus and Bradford Council in a bid to ensure unsung heroes across the district are properly rewarded.

Nominations are being sought in the following categories: Volunteer, Good Neighbour, Community Group, Fundraiser, Community Champion and Young Active Citizen, as well as the new category of Better Start Bradford Outstanding Contribution.

Readers are being asked to nominate people in their local communities who they believe go the extra mile to help others.

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Nominations have been coming in thick and fast for this year’s awards, which are now into its sixth year of recognising people who strive to make a difference in their communities.

So far more than 30 nominations have been submitted to organisers and many more are expected in the coming few weeks.

The deadline for nominations is Monday, September 26, and these will be be whittled down by a specially-selected panel of judges, before Bradfordians will be asked to vote for their favourites from a shortlist which will be published in a special supplement in the T&A.

Category winners will be announced at a ceremony at The Midland Hotel, on December 7, and they will be presented with the prestigious Bradford Medal.