In the wake of the British Cycling Awards, we’re diving into the stories of four remarkable volunteers celebrated for their dedication to the sport and the community. This week, we begin with Alan Griffiths, recipient of the Connecting the Community Award and the prestigious overall Volunteer of the Year Award.

At 83 years old, Alan has spent over 30 years as a pillar of the cycling community, initially joining a club with his son. Since then, his impact has been profound, enriching lives through cycling—from helping people recover from serious illness and injury, to teaching refugees how to ride for the first time.

“I realised that there wasn’t a lot of people volunteering in cycling,” Alan shared while leading a session with Severn Valley Velo at Stourport Circuit. “I’d had a lot from sport, and I thought it was time for me to give something back. I don’t want to become a cabbage sat on the settee!  I like to get out and keep up a level of fitness. 

“It’s been absolutely enjoyable to see the process people have made. The feedback I get from this lot – despite the fact they’re always taking the mickey out of me, particularly about my tights – is amazing. It’s just so enjoyable.”

Alan himself rides 100 miles each week and remains passionate about creating a welcoming, inclusive space. His Saturday morning sessions, part of the British Cycling Limitless programme, welcome people from all backgrounds and abilities.

“Since I got into coaching, I believe that the big thing is getting bums on saddles,” Alan explained. “It doesn’t matter whether they’re going to be elite athletes or people that want to just go out and enjoy the countryside.

“I was once asked by a nine-year-old boy’s grandmother if we could teach him to ride. He had been told by his surgeon, who had removed a tumour in his brain, that he would never be able to ride a bike. We proved him wrong. He rode a bike and the smile on that lad’s face when he first did it was enough for me to say, ‘keep going mate’. 

“I hope to continue with this group until they stick me in a box. I’m very grateful for all the people here.”

Alan’s dedication has left an unforgettable mark on many, including his friend and mentee, Jen. After major spinal surgery left her in constant pain and fearful of riding, Jen joined Alan’s women-only sessions three years ago.

“I told Alan a list of the things I couldn't do - I couldn't feel my left leg or balance, I couldn't take my hands off the handlebars, I was terrified of riding with people and of traffic. Alan listened to none of that and said, 'show me what you can do!' It was the first time in five years that someone had said that to me,” Jen recalled. “Eventually, with a lot of banter and support from Alan and the group, I got fitter and fitter, and I believe I am now the cyclist that I was before my accident.”

Alan’s women-only sessions have taught women of all ages to ride, promoting health, fitness, and confidence in a supportive environment. Aware of the mental health benefits of cycling, he checks in on his participants at home, or even in the hospital, and helps service bikes when needed.

“I’ve nominated Alan because of my own journey, but also while I’ve been coming here, I’ve seen the journeys of so many other people,” Jen said. “It has reduced me to tears at times. I brought a friend who'd had a devastating stroke and within three sessions on a Saturday morning, Alan had got him riding a recumbent, which he still does today.

“The Limitless sessions have been incredibly moving for me,” Jen added. “One of the most moving experiences was when Alan taught a family of refugees to cycle - a mother and three teenage children who had come from Sudan. We sat out here on a very damp November day and they were shivering, but we all encouraged them. Alan found bikes for them from friends, family and the local bike hub. I can't imagine what those children had seen, and what it had been like to leave everything you know behind. I think they saw a different side to humanity over those first few weeks and months. They will remember a little guy dressed very strangely in tights who gave his time, patience and love.”

Reflecting on Alan’s contributions, Jen summed it up perfectly: “Congratulations, Alan. You are so inspirational and deserving of this award.”

Inspired by Alan’s story? Find out how you can get involved in volunteering in cycling here: www.britishcycling.org.uk/volunteering