Cycling Coach Honored for Impact on Riders’ Lives

A cycling coach, described as inspirational and credited with “changed many lives,” has received the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Hero Award for the North East and Cumbria region. Stephen Newton organizes cycling sessions at Stockton Wheelers Cycling Club specifically for disabled individuals, enabling them to participate in the sport. Sarah Smith, an avid cyclist for many years, believed her participation in the sport she cherished would end after she experienced sudden sight loss. “I never thought I’d ever get on a bike again, but Steve and the volunteers have made it possible and I love it,” she stated. The initiative began when Mr. Newton posted on Facebook, volunteering to pilot a tandem bicycle for anyone interested in riding. Initially, he commenced with a single visually impaired cyclist. After three years, the sessions now involve 25 participants. Mr. Newton commented, “It’s a real privilege to help and watch them grow to love cycling.” According to Mr. Newton, “very limited opportunities” exist for disabled individuals to engage in sports. At the outset of the sessions, some riders encountered difficulties with pedaling or maintaining their position on the track. He noted that all participants are now “comfortable and confident.” Mel Robson, a club member with partial sight, expressed having minimal initial interest in cycling. She attended a taster session solely to prevent her family from “nagging her,” she explained. Three years later, Mel has transformed from an unwilling cyclist into one who completed a 115-mile (185km) round trip journey from Teesside to York. Ms. Robson stated that the sessions “mean the world to everyone and it’s now a great little community.” Lyndsey Hollands of British Cycling characterized Mr. Newton as the “perfect candidate” for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Unsung Hero Award. She acknowledged that numerous volunteers perform remarkable work across various sports, but highlighted that he went “above and beyond.” “He’s changed the lives of so many riders, so many parents who thought their children would never be able to ride a bike,” she added. Further details regarding the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards are available here. Follow BBC North East on X and Facebook, and BBC Cumbria on X and Facebook, with both also available on Nextdoor and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy can be accessed here.