A summer of cycling in Hassocks

By Andy Hansen, Greener Hassocks and Ditchling

A ‘summer of cycling’ is being organised by Greener Hassocks and Ditchling. So far, we have organised a launch event with great speakers; a women’s ride; a 40-mile social ride and free bike checks. Most recently, we organised a wonderful Play Street event in which a residential road was closed for a couple of hours so that children could play out safely. We’d like to thank all those who took part and we hope you enjoyed yourselves.

There’s still time to sign up for upcoming events. You could book a free bike check, courtesy of Dr Bike, who will be at Proper Cycling and Coffee on Tuesday 1st July, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. If you have an old bike that needs a bit of TLC, or want to check that your children’s bikes, pop down to Proper and Dr Bike will give them the once over. Stay on for the briefing and Q&A session to find out more about the Kidical Mass bike route, and how you and your family can have a great time on the day.

Due to popular demand, Dr Bike will also be at the St Lawrence Show in Hurstpierpoint on 5th July. No need to book! Just turn up with your bike and Dr Bike will be happy to check them over for you.

Kidical Mass is a large, fun ride for parents and children on Saturday 12th July from 2-4pm. We will have stewards riding with you, making sure everyone stays safe. The good folk from Cycling Without Age will be riding their trishaws with us, making this a truly multigenerational event. The route is short, level, and we have checked it out several times. It should be a lot of fun, as well as a demonstration of the interest in cycling in Hassocks, and a lobby for better and safer cycling facilities.

Register for the Kidical Mass ride or book your session with Dr Bike via Greener Hassocks and Ditchling: www.greenerhassocksditchling.org.uk/onyourbike

Greener Hassocks & Ditchling

Seedling Swap

How are your seedlings coming on? Too many tomato plants?! Come along to a Seedling Swap event at Hassocks Community Veg Patch on Saturday 26th April to swap your seedlings. Or if you don’t have any plants, you can pick some up some seedlings in exchange for a small donation, or just come and say hello! You’ll find Greener Hassocks and Ditchling behind the Age Concern building from 9am-12.30pm.

Volunteer opportunity

On the afternoon of 12 July, 2-4pm, we will be organising a ‘Kidical Mass’: a fun, safe community bike ride. There will be feeder rides from Hurstpierpoint and Ditchling, meeting in Adastra Park. From there a short three to five-mile ride will make its way around Hassocks, ending at Adastra Park.

Your kids need you! All riders under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. So, for now, we need you to do one or two things to make sure this ride happens Firstly, get ready to ride! Get the ride into your diary, get your bikes out of the shed, tune them up (we can help with that), and go on some safe practice rides with your kids. We will send out details on how to register for the ride during May.

In addition, we need people to sign up now to be a steward. We need as many stewards as possible. It will involve one brief training session before July; and then a two-hour commitment on the afternoon of 12th July. Please sign up by emailing greenerhassocksditchling@ gmail.com and we will give you more details.

Save the date

On 6th May, at the monthly Climate Hub Event, the former Chief Executive and now President of Sussex Wildlife Trust will speak about biodiversity. As the national spokesperson on woodland issues for The Wildlife Trusts, a Trustee of the Knepp Wildland Foundation and a long term supporter of Knepp Wildland project, he offers valuable insights into wildlife issues in Sussex. The event will take place at 7.30pm - location TBC.