A Wishaw bike company, dedicated to encouraging children and young people to take up cycling, has been honoured at a prestigious awards ceremony. Socialtrack was awarded the Community Program of the Year accolade at the Scottish Mountain Bike Awards for its exceptional work in Wishaw and the surrounding areas. Over the past year, Socialtrack has organised 40 holiday hunger pump track sessions for more than 200 young people, provided an alternative schooling programme (involving mountain biking, mechanics, and BMX skills) to over 180 school pupils weekly, offered an inclusive LGBTQ+ group weekly for over 40 individuals, and delivered bikes to the community.
Founded in a garage to support the opening of the Wishawhill Wood Pump Track in 2018, Socialtrack has a strong focus on addressing poverty, setting it apart from other initiatives. The company aims to break down barriers and provide opportunities for some of Scotland’s most underprivileged children to engage in cycling. Additionally, Socialtrack played a key role in hosting the 2019 Red Bull UK Qualifier for the World Pump Track Championships at Wishawhill Wood.
Dan Scott and Andy Higgins, members of Socialtrack, expressed their surprise and gratitude upon receiving the award. Dan mentioned, “We didn’t think we were going to win. We were nominated in 2019 so it was a big surprise.” The company continues to have ambitious plans for the future, including selling bikes from their hire fleet at discounted prices to the community starting on November 30. This initiative aims to make cycling more accessible to individuals in the area.
Socialtrack’s dedication to using cycling as a tool to combat youth poverty in Wishaw, Motherwell, and Bellshill reflects their belief in the positive impact of the sport on physical and mental health, as well as its potential to create opportunities for those facing economic challenges. Their commitment to inclusivity and community empowerment has earned them recognition and praise in the cycling community.
In summary, Socialtrack’s innovative approach to promoting cycling among young people and tackling poverty through community engagement has been acknowledged with the Community Program of the Year award at the Scottish Mountain Bike Awards. Their initiatives, including providing cycling sessions, alternative schooling programs, and inclusive groups, highlight the transformative power of cycling in building a healthier and more connected community.