I’m Lydia, I work within the Bikeability team at West Lancs as an instructor. I began my coaching journey after completing my degree in Sports Studies at Edge Hill University in 2016.
As a lover of sport, my chosen activity was always gymnastics. I went to my first Saturday morning gymnastics class aged 4 and continued until I was 17. Leaving the sport as a National level gymnast training 5 days per week, I decided to give up and go to uni.
While completing my degree I was introduced to different sports and completed several coaching qualifications. Broadening my interest in different activities, including cycling. Leading me into a position with British Cycling in the Go-Ride team.
My new position in cycling allowed me to coach riders in many different environments – on the track, within primary and secondary schools, with grassroots cycling clubs and with adults who hadn’t been on a bike for 20 years. I was even lucky enough to be part of the 2019 Road World Championships in Yorkshire.
Now in my position with West Lancs, I deliver the Bikeability programme in our local Primary schools, something I absolutely love doing and never feels like a ‘job’. Taking cycling right back to the start, showing children how to keep themselves safe and ride confidently on our roads. I feel a real sense of achievement seeing riders who were initially wobbly or nervous at the start of Bikeability gaining self-esteem and confidence on their bike.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, as one of five sisters I live in a very busy house and there’s always something happening to be involved in! I also really enjoy fitness and going to the gym. During lockdown I have rediscovered running, completing my first 10k last June!
