JD Outdoor, the UK’s largest outdoor retail group behind GO Outdoors, Blacks, and Millets, has partnered with the UK Scouts to sponsor a cycling activity badge, in a bid to equip young people with all the skills required to maintain, repair and ride confidently and safely on a bike.
The cycling badge sponsorship opens up the ability to earn a badge to members of Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, and anyone aged 6-14 years old can qualify. Since the JD Outdoor cycling badge was launched 15 weeks ago, over 2,000 scouts have gained their badge.
Requirements for earning the badge vary depending on section. There is a good focus on core knowledge of safety which covers knowing the importance of safety and visibility equipment, as well as young people taking some responsibility that the bike they are riding fits correctly and has the ability to be ridden and stopped safely. There are some great practical aspects to achieving this badge, from practising a puncture repair to adjusting a helmet to fit correctly.
Jonny Lodge, cycling national sales and operations manager at JD Outdoor, comments: “The relationship and programme we have curated with the Scouts leaves me feeling very proud of what we have built and what we are continuing to build upon. We are supporting grassroots cycling at an important time for the industry and the UK; the programme and cycling itself provide vital skills for young people and opens doors for future adventures, one of which has led me to where I am now. The Scouts team are dedicated and passionate about delivering the best for our future generations and inspiring them for a life outdoors.”
As part of the partnership, GO Outdoors offers 10% off in-store prices for Scout members and 15% off for leaders and volunteers.
Millets and Blacks offer 15% off retail prices to young people and their parents, as well as 20% for leaders and volunteers.
Marie Stewart, partnerships manager at JD Outdoor, added: “We’re excited to be sponsoring the Cycling activity badges for Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.The nationwide spread of our cycling departments across 60+ shops with bikes, accessories and specialist-trained colleagues means that there is a fantastic opportunity to make supporting the cycling badge a real success for Scout groups in their local communities and stores. It’s such an important time for young people to get outside, and to encourage them to develop skills for life, whilst having fun in the process.”
