Several local partners came together to provide the community of Burnley and Padiham with accessible and inclusive physical activity. Working in partnership with British Cycling we have a vision to make Burnley the first ‘Limitless Town’. By using parks, canal towpaths and greenways, and by bringing back to life derelict assets, we are connecting people to their place through accessible cycling.
The challenge
Provide fun and inclusive spaces to be physically active for people with the most barriers to physical activity: disabled people, ethnic minorities, women, and individuals with long-term health conditions (LTCs).
The solution
A collaborative partnership approach from Statutory, Leisure, Health and National Governing Body partners, to address barriers to participation. We started with a co-funded Community Developer role, hosted by British cycling, which led to the formation of a strategic partnership.
The impact
The creation of two community hubs with off-road cycling opportunities.
A. Limitless Cycling (Thompson Park, Burnley)
The provision at Thompson Park, launched in April 2025, was designed to remove barriers to cycling for target groups. Adapted and standard bicycles are available to borrow at hosted sessions throughout the week.
B. Active Hive (Padiham Leisure Centre Area)
The Active Hive acts as the dedicated social prescribing and multi-activity Hub, focusing on mental wellbeing and low-impact activity. Previously home to a disused bowling green and pavilion, we worked together to transform the site into a welcoming safe space with a cycle track, storage, adapted bicycles and meeting space for people of all abilities to use.
Qualitative feedback from Active Hive participants : “I never thought I’d be able to cycle again with my mobility issues, but The Hive made it possible. Now I look forward to the cycling, exercises and walks every week—they’ve helped me feel stronger, more confident, and part of a community that truly cares.”
Many participants are referred through the Burnley PCN health coaches, but all sessions are open access encouraging the participation of all abilities and demographics. We have around 40 regular participants who access sessions every week.
How is the new approach being sustained?
Bi-monthly steering group meetings are held to update on progress, find funding opportunities, and share resources and knowledge. We have now secured funding for a further 12 months, including active travel money.
The partnership continues to grow from strength to strength and the people who attend the sessions are making their own contributions including becoming volunteers, delivering activities and enhancing the community feel by bringing along their own refreshments. Alongside this participant ownership has been further developed by upskilling people to oversee their own bike maintenance.
Lessons learned
Delivering this kind of provision takes a purposeful approach with shared accountability and distributed leadership. All partners are considered equal contributors whether that is financial, providing staff, equipment, referrals, infrastructure support, connections or knowledge.
The model serves as an example of how local authorities, health bodies, and national governing bodies can integrate resources to create targeted solutions that genuinely address health equity gaps within their communities.
Contact
Joseph Skinner, [email protected]
Rachael McHugh, [email protected]