A FORMER international squash player turned cycling enthusiast is starting a new cycling club aimed at bringing communities in Bradford together.

The first meeting of the club took place yesterday at the Ramgharia Gurudwara Sahib Temple in Bolton Road, Undercliffe, where a taster training session, and a ride for all in Peel Park took place.

Satwant Singh, a former champion squash player whose career was cut short by injury, has started the Bolton Road Community Cycle Club.

Mr Singh took up cycling more than ten years ago after his injury, and is hoping to get more people interested in his sporting passion by joining the club.

He has received support from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority's CityConnect team and national cycling charity Cycling UK.

Mr Singh, 69, who represented Zambia at squash, said: "Having taken up cycling more than ten years ago and seen the benefits first-hand, I am passionate about inspiring as many people as possible to get on bikes and experience the health and social benefits of cycling alongside being able to explore our magnificent country side.”

Councillor Keith Wakefield, chairman of the transport committee within West Yorkshire Combined Authority, added: “West Yorkshire Combined Authority is proud to support the launch of Bolton Road Community Club.

"Helping communities develop and providing opportunities for local people to get involved and inspire others to get cycling is at the heart of everything the team at CityConnect does.

"Through partnering with organisations such as Cycling UK, we are able to build these links and develop sustainable community clubs that mean everyone has the opportunity to be benefit from the benefits riding a bike can bring.”

The new club will hold rides on a range of routes, including Shipley Greenway, the CityConnect Cycle Superhighway, and out into the countryside.

Rachel Seymour, development officer at Cycling UK, said: “Satwant is very passionate about his cycling, and has an infectious positive nature.

"The centre in Bolton Road serves a wide audience in Bradford already and the doors are open to people of any faith, age and background to join in.

"This is really is a very friendly, family orientated group so I would encourage anyone wondering about giving cycling a go to join them."

For more information, cityconnect@westyorks-ca.gov.uk.