The Barbados Cycling Union (BCU) has pledged to take cycling to dozens of communities across Barbados through the establishment of grass tracks.
This was revealed by its president, Omar Beckles, during a recent meeting with Minister of Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment, Charles Griffith at his offices at SkyMall, Haggatt Hall, St Michael.
BCU President, Omar Beckles
Beckles said the BCU intends to select several fields across the island to
hold races on grass tracks as part of their National Youth Development Programme.
He identified playing fields at Gall Hill in St John and the King George V Memorial Park in St Philip, as possible venues.
Beckles said the initiative was similar to one started decades ago when
Kensington Oval was used to promote cycling in Barbados.
“Once these persons sign up with cycling clubs throughout Barbados they
will get access to the equipment they need to develop, as well as persons
to help and guide them in the sport, whilst trying to find diamonds in the
rough,” he said, while also revealing that the BCU was hoping to attract more women to cycling.
As part of further efforts to grow the sport Beckles said he was pushing for Barbados to bid to host the Caribbean Cycling Union Championship and the Pan American Cycling Championships in the not too distant future.
Additionally, he said hosting such events would significantly benefit sports tourism.
“We are talking about hundreds and thousands of people arriving on our
shores which will bring us visibility and significant economic impact in 2028 and beyond, which will complement our major showpiece the Tour De Bim which we do every year,” Beckles said.
With Barbados set to celebrate 60 years of independence in a few months, the Sports Minister urged the BCU to host races across the island as part of its celebrations.
However, while Beckles agreed with the suggestion, he called for better signage to be placed across the island to make motorists aware of cyclists using the road.
“There have been several deaths in recent years as well as
incidents involving bicyclists, which have impacted teams destined for
competition overseas to represent Barbados and it’s high time a halt is put
to this,” Beckles said, while noting that a ‘Share the Road Public Campaign’ with stakeholders is vital.
“One of the biggest challenges is with the approach of the electric buses
and vehicles which you cannot hear approaching and the drivers don’t blow
the horn to let us know they are coming.”
Beckles said he believed the campaign would be embraced by the
insurance industry, as it seeks to mitigate against incidents involving
cyclists, adding that the input of MTW, GIS and other stakeholders is
needed for its success.
The three member delegation from the BCU included Beckles,
first vice-president Desron Bynoe and racing secretary, Alan Kelly.
(PR)
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