Carlisle United and the University of Cumbria are collaborating to see if the introduction of secure cycle parking and bike maintenance facilities would encourage more people to ride to Brunton Park on matchdays.
The initiative, which could begin early next year, is part of a campaign to encourage football clubs to be more sustainable by reducing the number of fans who drive on matchdays.
“Almost a year ago we made contact with the university and formed a view that the club and university had a lot in common and there were partnerships that would work for the university, the football club and enhance Carlisle as a place to live,” Nigel Clibbens, chief executive of Carlisle United said. “We had lots of ideas including work experience opportunities for students and examples where we could share our expertise but also lots of cross over when it comes to sustainability and climate.”
The English Football League (EFL) Green Clubs scheme helps clubs across the country to improve their environmental practices and operations. In a first for football, the EFL joined forces with GreenCode, an environmental accreditation scheme.
Carlisle United is keen to gain Green Club recognition and are working towards the voluntary environmental support and accreditation scheme.
“We recognise that while we didn’t have the expertise in this area, working with the university meant we started to work up some ideas quickly in the area of tackling the climate and doing something different along with the practicalities to make it work,” Nigel said.
The club teamed up with Prof Ian Convery a professor of environment and society in the University of Cumbria’s Institute of Science and Environment.
“The approach was really timely as other people the city are concerned about sustainability,” Prof Convery said. “We’ve been talking for some time about how we make Carlisle a more sustainable and active place to live and encouraging cycling is one way of addressing this.”
BikeSeven, an SME in the city, say the scheme is a timely way of encouraging more people to cycle in and around Carlisle.
“The city certainly has the scope for more cycling,” Levi van Belzen, owner of BikeSeven, says: “Change takes time but it’s good to hear that the football club and university are passionate about trying something that could make a difference in encouraging more people to cycle to matches.”
The University of Cumbria’s new Citadel campus could be connected to other existing cycle routes around the city and it’s also hoped Brunton Park and Carlisle United’s Sheepmount training facility would also form part of a wider network.
“We know fans are parking further away and then walking to matches and we’re contacted by fans who are interested in cycling here asking where they can park them safely,” Nigel said.
“We pride ourselves in being a community club and with a significant number of people coming here on non-match days we increasingly see young people on bikes come to the club. We’d like to see this repeated on match days too.”
The club are poised to install bike racks which will be covered by CCTV. A bike maintenance station including air pump and basic tools could also be opened at the ground. If it proves popular, bike maintenance workshops run by Levi and his colleagues could also be held.
Early next year it’s hoped ‘cycle to the game’ events, similar to the existing walk to the match initiative will be held.
“We’re looking forward to working with the university and know we can help reach those who don’t always hear what’s going on,” Nigel said. “We’re looking at ways now of making these ideas a reality and watching them snowball into something bigger.”
The sustainability activities won’t just end with cycling. Wildlife could also benefit from ideas to rewild an area close to the football ground which could form a wetland area. The university are in talks with a wildlife charity to see if this could also be introduced in the near future.
For now, the cycling project is the one focusing minds and it’s hoped 2025 will be the year when increasing numbers of Carlisle United fans begin to turn up on two-wheels.
“If people are curious about cycling we can help you,” Prof Convery said. “And if we all feel better and maybe a bit healthier, why not?”
