East Bradford Cycling Club has addressed backlash following the cancellation of a local event at a West Yorkshire venue.
Bradford Council postponed the Wyke Cinema Day after discovering a scheduling clash with a national cycling competition organised by the club at Wyke Community Sports Village on August 22.
The National Youth Circuit series proceeded as planned at the facility.
Club representatives stated that the organisation had endured considerable online criticism since the cancellation became public.
According to Mandy Parker, head coach and development officer at the club, sympathy was extended towards the Cinema Day organisers, acknowledging the event’s value while understanding public disappointment.
She explained that online video posts shared by the opposing side triggered an influx of negative comments directed at the club.
The coach maintained that the organisation had been unfairly treated and that community members associated with the club had been subjected to unwarranted hostility.
She expressed personal distress at the situation and emphasised the club’s deep roots within the Wyke community.
Parker highlighted that the British Cycling-sanctioned competition operates within a fixed national schedule, leaving no flexibility for alternative dates.
In correspondence with the council, Jodie Cottrell, who coordinated the Cinema Day, questioned whether both activities could have coexisted on the same date.
However, Parker insisted this was unworkable.
The primary concern centred on safety considerations, with the substantial vehicle and screen required for the cinema component threatening to obstruct critical emergency routes serving the cycling circuit.
Parker stressed that permitting both events simultaneously would have created unacceptable risk levels.
The open letter additionally questioned parking fee arrangements.
Parker clarified that revenue generated from vehicle parking directly supports the club’s operations, enabling purchases of new equipment including bicycles.
She noted that the organisation functions entirely through unpaid volunteers, with no members receiving remuneration.
Attendance figures released by the club indicated that between 600 and 700 individuals attended the cycling competition, with the premier race accommodating 62 participants.
Parker stated that British Cycling had commend the event’s delivery, reflecting the club’s standing within the governing body.
The initiative aims to provide aspiring young cyclists with opportunities to compete locally, potentially nurturing future professionals.
Parker concluded that the facility was originally constructed for cycling and football, serving as a multipurpose community sports centre.