Wishaw bike company, aimed at helping young people into cycling, hailed at top awards ceremony

A Wishaw bike company, aimed at helping children and young people into cycling, has been hailed at a top awards ceremony.

Socialtrack took home the Community Program of the Year gong at the Scottish Mountain Bike Awards for their outstanding work across Wishaw and the surrounding areas.

In the past year Socialtrack has hosted 40 holiday hunger pump track sessions to over 200 young people, a continued alternative schooling programme (mountain biking, mechanics, BMX skills) to over 180 school pupils a week and an inclusive LGBTQ+ group every week for over 40 people plus the delivery of bikes to the community.

Socialtrack members Dan Scott and Andy Higgins were on hand to collect the award.

Dan said: “We didn’t think we were going to win. We were nominated in 2019 so it was a big surprise.

“If we expected it we would have got dressed up properly!”

The community company was originally formed in a garaged and to support the Wishawhill Wood Pump Track opening in 2018.

The focus on tackling poverty is something that is different at Socialtrack. Breaking down barriers and kicking in doors to let some of Scotland’s poorest children take part in the best sport in the world.

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They also went on to help host the 2019 Red Bull UK Qualifier for the World Pump Track Championships at Wishawhill Wood.

Socialtrack knew it had a task on it’s hands in tackling youth poverty in Wishaw, Motherwell and Bellshill but they have always had a strong belief in what mountain biking and cycling could achieve in increasing opportunity out of poverty as well as all the good stuff it does for physical and mental health.

Dan added: “We still have plenty of plans going forward in the coming year.

“Starting on November 30 and every Saturday up until Christmas we’ll be selling bikes from our hire fleet at crazy low prices!

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“You can get BMX bikes of all sizes from between £50 and £150.

“You can also get helmets, grips and pedals also for sale so you can customise your bike.”

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