BRADFORD, UK – May 13, 2025 – On May 9-10, 2025, Bradford truly came alive as Pedal Power 2025 brought together a vibrant group of young people for two unforgettable days of cycling, creativity, and profound cultural expression. Organised by OAK Initiative UK CIC in dynamic collaboration with ODYSSEY Media House CIC, this groundbreaking event powerfully showcased the ability of sport to inspire, connect, and transform.
Generously funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and enthusiastically supported by the African Business Association and Capital of Cycling, the event far exceeded expectations. It successfully drew in diverse participants and achieved remarkable levels of youth engagement across a multitude of engaging activities.
Event Highlights: A Fusion of Movement, Mind, and Culture
The weekend was packed with infectious energy and significant impact, proving that physical activity and cultural enrichment can seamlessly intertwine.
Day 1 (Friday, May 9th): Focus on Dialogue and Design
The inaugural day saw 13 young participants gather for immersive cycling masterclasses. Beyond refining physical skills, the session began with interactive dialogues that explored the social barriers to cycling engagement in Bradford. This was followed by a unique ‘Plan Your Cycling Event’ workshop, where young people were empowered to conceptualise and design their community cycling initiatives, fostering strategic thinking and cultural project development. These sessions underscored the event’s commitment to critical thought and collaborative creation.
Day 2 (Saturday, May 10th): Action, Empowerment, and Artistry
The second day, held at Capital of Cycling, engaged 20 participants in a hands-on exploration of cycling mechanics, starting with essential ‘Know Your Bicycle’ checks and a practical ‘Bike Repair and Maintenance’ session, empowering them with vital life skills. The day then shifted into dynamic cycling rodeos and obstacle courses, providing both learners and intermediate riders with engaging challenges. The excitement culminated in a ‘slowest racer’ tournament, a unique competition designed to test resilience and bike control, demonstrating that even speed can be redefined through a cultural lens. Artistic elements were integrated throughout the course design and event branding, bringing a vibrant, colourful, and distinctly cultural edge to the experience.
Commenting on the program’s profound impact, Oluwadamilola Adetomiwa, Executive Director of Odyssey Media House, emphasised, “Pedal Power has truly redefined arts and culture for young people in Bradford. It’s not just about cycling; it’s about providing a vibrant and dynamic platform for them to explore and express their artistic capabilities. Through carefully curated activities like our innovative bike rodeos and creative obstacle courses, alongside masterclasses that expanded their understanding of cycling and lifestyle, participants also gained a nuanced appreciation for organising cultural activities. This mirrors the DCMS’s vision for how arts and culture can enrich communities, promoting vital social cohesion, improving health and wellbeing, and crucially, creating unparalleled opportunities for young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Empowering them further, they were tasked with developing their cycling event ideas with a £1,000 budget, effectively fostering a new generation of cultural organisers and visionaries.”
The event’s impactful media campaign, expertly helmed by Gbola Jesu Amusa, Marketing and PR Director, significantly amplified the project’s reach through vibrant social media storytelling. This campaign brilliantly showcased young people in action and highlighted authentic local voices, capturing the spirit of the event.
Pedal Power 2025 successfully:
- Engaged a total of 20 unique young participants across the two days in Bradford, fostering community spirit.
- Promoted health, sustainability, and active lifestyles through cycling, beautifully interwoven with artistic expression and critical cultural exploration.
- Strengthened community ties and offered safe, fun, and genuinely creatively stimulating spaces for vital youth engagement.
As the city pedals forward with this newfound momentum, organisers are already actively exploring exciting ways to build on this success, with the potential to expand Pedal Power into an anticipated annual celebration of cycling, arts, and culture in Bradford.
Below are snippets from the event:
About OAK Initiative UK CIC
Established in 2021, OAK Initiative UK CIC is deeply committed to educational and cultural programming that empowers diverse communities across Bradford, fostering growth and opportunity.
About ODYSSEY Media House CIC
Odyssey Media House is a pioneering Bradford-based creative organisation dedicated to amplifying artistic voices and producing immersive media experiences that genuinely uplift and celebrate local culture.
Media Contact:
GbolaJesu Amusa
Marketing and PR Director
Odyssey Media House CIC
Email: theodysseymediahouse@gmail.com
Website: www.theodysseymediahouse.com
Phone Number: 07599646868