Elite success contributes to British Cycling membership boost

British Cycling’s membership has mushroomed by 75,000 people since London 2012 – demonstrating the significant upward curve in participation and elite success for the sport.

The national governing body’s membership now stands at 125,000 – the largest number in the organisation’s history – with the number of affiliated clubs doubling to 2,200 since the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

According to Sport England’s latest Active People Survey, 2m people in Britain are cycling regularly compared to 1.6m a decade ago.

The surge in participation has correlated with increasing elite success, with strong performances at London 2012 and Rio 2016 from Team GB’s cycling squad. This summer the team has achieved 11 medals – six gold – surpassing the maximum target of 10 set by UK Sport.

Grassroots participants are seemingly becoming inspired to take part competitively, with the number of members who have taken part in a race more than doubling from 29,500 to 62,000 since London 2012.

There are now 4,000 cycling events taking place every year in Britain with 300,000 entrants. In 2005, British Cycling's membership stood at just over 15,000.

Bob Howden, British Cycling president, said the number was a "fantastic endorsement from cyclists countrywide".

"In reaching 125,000 members, we have once again highlighted our ability to achieve ambitious targets," he added. "With our members' backing, we will continue to strive for further elite success and more people cycling more often as we continue to make cycling appealing to all."