Two Decades of Promoting Cycling in Leighton Buzzard
Founded in 2006, Leighton BuzzCycles (formerly LLCF) has championed local cycling for nearly two decades. Key achievements include developing the town’s first cycle map, contributing to Cycle Town status in 2009, and running popular led rides for over 15 years. BuzzCycles also provides Dr Bike maintenance and successfully lobbies for infrastructure improvements, such as the recent Waitrose cycle stands.
2006
First Stall at May Fayre
230+
Bikes Fixed
15
Years of Led Rides
2021
Green Wheel Proposed
Our History
2006
Leighton BuzzCycles was founded in 2006 as the Leighton Linslade Cycling Forum (LLCF) by Esther Clarke, the local Cycling UK Right to Ride representative.
Buzzcycles has had a stall at May Fayre since 2006 and the Canal Festival from the first one.
2007
The first task was to create a cycle strategy to identify what was needed and to influence what was delivered by first Beds County Council and then Central Beds. This first strategy was published in 2007 and presented to Beds County Council.
There had never been a cycle map for Leighton Buzzard, so the LLCF created one. Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) later adopted it.
2009
In 2009, Leighton-Linslade was awarded Cycle Town status for a three-year project. The LLCF was a key part of the bid.
In 2009 the LLCF changed its name to Leighton BuzzCycles.
Led rides start and have been a key part of BuzzCycles activity for over 15 years and continue to be so.
2013
The third edition of the Leighton Buzzard and Linslade Cycling Strategy is issued
2016
BuzzCycles proposes a Green Wheel featuring two circular rims —an inner and an outer rim—designed to connect communities and green spaces. These routes will be linked by “spokes” to each other and the Town Centre, promoting active travel without relying on cars.
2020
Dr Bike cycle maintenance has always been important but became more so during lockdown when Buzzcycles was awarded a grant by Cycling UK’s Big Bike Revival project to run Dr Bike sessions on the market.
2021
Getting cycle infrastructure improvements can take years. BuzzCycles lobbied successfully to have the cycle path barriers adjacent to Morrisons supermarket removed improving connectivity for local cycling journeys and though using the national cycle route.
The “Cycling Strategy for Leighton Buzzard and Linslade” has been regularly updated and was submitted as BuzzCycles’ contribution to the LCWIP (Local Cycling and Walking Investment Plan).
2024
Led cycle rides are back in full swing after the pandemic, with the new summer evening series proving a popular addition.
Started delivering Dr Bike indoors at The Repair Cafe, enabling BuzzCycles to provide a monthly free bicycle repair service.
2025
New Cycle Stands were installed at Waitrose, enabling cycling shoppers to lock their bicycles outside Waitrose supermarket. Another successful example of a multi-year lobbying campaign.