It was my wife, who is from Preston, who unwittingly turned me into a fervent Bees fan thanks to joining her Lilywhites nephew at a match. My first match was against Preston in the 2011/12 season when we lost 3-1. I only decided to go at the last moment, so you could say that if it was not for her, then I wouldn’t be writing this now!
I loved Griffin Park more than anything – but the one thing that Griffin Park did not offer was somewhere to park your bike safely, securely. I frequently campaign for better cycling provision, so when the time came for the club to consult on what they wanted from the new stadium I wanted cycle parking to be raised. Different supporters wanted different things; disabled car parking on site; decent hospitality lounges, space for the historic programme shop, a club shop on site and more. Cycle parking was overlooked.
I would regularly bring up cycle parking, with me pushing the numbers upwards at every meeting, based on the argument that the more secure bike parking spaces are made available the more likely it is to make fans cycle to the match. Even after the club installed a larger number of cycle parking than I envisaged, on most match days the cycle parking in the North West corner (just by the steps down to North Stand) are full to bursting.
When I heard about Oli Chaplin and Fran James, forming Sustaina-Bees, right away I wanted to be involved!
Sustaina-Bees is a fans group that engages in open conversation about the sustainability journey the club are on and actively participates in the club’s Fan Advisory Board and were recenlty asked to get involved with the launch of the Sustainable Garden. Sustaina-Bees is an associate member of the Football Supporters Association and a member of its Green Working Group.
At the first meeting Oli and Fran called for ideas, goals and aims. I was already cycling to games, so it was only natural for me to suggest cycling rides to the away matches. The cycle rides were to turn into the first visible face of the group, offering fans an attractive and fun way to engage with us, whilst the strategy and policy is looked after by others.
Cycling is not just a fun activity. It is also a great way to promote a healthy lifestyle, reduce pollution and interact with your local community. Furthermore, cycling promotes a more sustainable mode of transport, helping to reduce pollution. Come on, let’s all agree that it is quicker and convenient too!
Sustaina-Bees kicked off last season with cycle rides to Fulham, Chelsea and Crystal Palace and the Womens’ match against Benfica, in Bedfont.
We had seven people on our ride to Chelsea, which included Brentford FC DIrector, Nity Raj, who rode in a suit so he could enter CFC’s Boardroom!
I liaised with Chelsea beforehand, and they were just brilliant. They literally had stewards who were expecting us waiting at the police cordon to escort us through, like we were VIP’s, and dedicating half of their cycle stands for us!
We then rode to Crystal Palace, a 32-mile return trip, where Palace were outstanding too. I gave them prior notice of the ride and overestimated our numbers, which made them nervous. They didn’t think they had enough room for us. Palace specially ordered another 10 bike stands for us. Selhurst Park now has 20 bike stands! Palace also handed every rider a free meal voucher, worth a tenner, as a well done gesture, for cycling 32 miles.
In the last 12 months we have discussed lots of ideas on how to promote our rides.
We are now thinking of running a Dr Bike event (a free service on getting your bike fit!), leafleting bikes and more besides.
The club really hope to see the rides grow.
Nity Raj is an ally and has encouraged us to stretch our ambitions and target 150 people for one ride and has set us a ‘Target 150’ for huge numbers on one ride!
Cycle from Ealing town hall to GTech with Ben for the West Ham match
Ealing Town Hall to GTech
Cycling instructions
Brentford v West Ham – k/o 3.00pm
As with all home games, join us at Ealing Town Hall at 13:30pm (3pm KO’s) for a quiet and gentle ride over to the ground, which will always be led by experienced cyclists.
It’s just a short journey to GTech!
And if an away London derby has a Saturday 3pm KO, it is probable that a Sustaina-Bees bike ride will be running.
As well as the rides to the London derbies, Sustaina-Bees are now leading feeder rides from Ealing to Gtech for every home game.
I hope to meet you on a future ride and if you want to stay involved with the group or can think of an idea to develop the bike rides head over to our Facebook page
Ben Owen