About Herne Hill Velodrome
Herne Hill Velodrome (HHV) is a community cycling centre in South East London offering cycling sessions and events that promote an active lifestyle and build social connections. We host a range of activities for all abilities and ages: whether you’re learning to cycle as an adult or as a child, or if you’re looking to get fit and find a new active hobby. We have dedicated cycling sessions for youth, kids, women, over 40s and people with physical disabilities and visual impairments. You don’t even need (or want) to cycle to visit us: we host dozens of races from April to September with free spectator entry and the most affordable cafe and licenced bar in Dulwich.
Herne Hill Velodrome is managed by a small, enthusiastic and multi-skilled core team, from talented coaches to events and operational experts. We operate as a charity – the Friends of Herne Hill Velodrome being our fundraising arm – and this helps keep us running in a sustainable, social, and equitable way, ensuring we serve the community that we exist for.
For more information, please follow these links.
Donate / What We Do / HHV Trust / Our Partners / Our Advertisers / Support Us / Friends of HHV / Jan’s Cafe / History / Contact Us
WHAT WE DO
Herne Hill Velodrome is a multi-use cycling centre in South London with a 450m outdoor banked track, multi-use games area, MTB and cyclocross facilities. With a history dating back to 1891, we currently offer a huge range of affordable and accessible cycling sessions, including track, road, mountain biking and cyclocross, to a wide-range of user groups.
We are the most affordable venue in London to learn, develop and compete on the track, and we draw in riders from across the South East. Our user-targeted sessions address key audiences including female, youth, veteran and disabled riders, and we prioritise putting the community at the heart of everything we do to ensure these sessions are open, inclusive and available to all.
Alongside community engagement and participation, the velodrome is a hub of cycling excellence, helping to identify and nurture talent. In recent years we have helped launch the careers of many other successful riders, including Ethan Hayter, Fred Wright, Abi Van Twisk, Flora Perkins and Ben & Dan Tulett.
The value we bring to our users is varied and immeasurable; ask 100 different riders what the velodrome has given them and you will get 100 different answers. The first time on a bike. Greater confidence, focus and drive. A space to escape from life. A chance to push yourself and see what you can achieve. The thrill of flying down the banking at 30mph. New friends and much fun.
HERNE HILL VELODROME TRUST
The Herne Hill Velodrome Trust was set up as a charity in the early 2010s as part of the Save the Velodrome campaign, to raise funds and, working with Southwark Council, Sport England and the London Marathon Trust, to take responsibility for the development and operation of the site. The Trust has run Herne Hill Velodrome since 2017 and the handover of the site’s management from VC Londres (who continue to play a key role in the activities taking place at Herne Hill today).
The Trust’s goal is to make sure Herne Hill Velodrome is run properly for the benefit of the thousands of riders that use the site today, but also to make sure that we offer the right activities to promote cycling and heathy lifestyles to a wide community of potential users as well. Regardless of peoples’ backgrounds and abilities. We also work to make sure that Herne Hill Velodrome is a sustainable facility and that future generations will also be able to ride around our track and across our off-road trails as easily as people do today.
The Trust has a Board, comprised of users of the site, local residents and individuals with specialist skills, and it meets at scheduled Quarterly Meetings as well as during the year as and when required by the needs of the facility. The Board monitors the operational and financial performance of the site, makes sure it complies with all legal and regulatory obligations and that systems and processes are set up and that they are operating effectively to manage risks and ensure the charity’s funds are handled appropriately.
The Trust exists for the benefit of Herne Hill Velodrome, its riders, their families and their friends.
HHV TRUSTEES
Tim McInnes (Chair)
I’ve been a local resident for most of my life, and even though I grew up overlooking the Velodrome and now live not more than a mile away from the track, I was a latecomer to cycling. I climbed my first mountain in 2016 and a year and 20,000km later I became a trustee of Herne Hill Velodrome.
In 2019 I was elected the Charity’s Chair. I’m particularly keen to see what we can do to make Herne Hill run as well as it can for our regular users, but I also want to make sure we are accessible to new riders who may not have found out how truly life-changing riding a bike can be.
Padraic O’Shea (Treasurer)
My interest in cycling dates back to growing up in Ireland in the 1980s when Kelly and Roche were in their pomp and I still find myself ticking off famous climbs from that era.
I only started cycling in 2006 and while more of a road cyclist I have loved the Velodrome from my first visit in 2014 and have been a regular visitor since. As a Chartered Accountant by training I have been a Finance Director in various industries for nearly 20 years.
Sam Atkinson
I started cycling 5 years ago after the birth of my second child. I’ve not looked back since and enjoy planning bike related challenges and adventures every year. My passion for cycling has seen me qualify as a Level 1 BC coach and also be appointed to the BC Disciplinary Panel.
As a Solicitor I assist The Trust with legal issues and general governance and am keen to help increase diversity so as many people as possible have access to this wonderful sport.
Chris Cole
I first came to the Velodrome in the mid-1980's to race. Since then I have been back in all sorts of capacities: rider, spectator, parent, coach, race-organiser and commissaire. I have now been a trustee for three years.
Many will say there is no better place to be on a summer evening. HHV is so friendly because it’s largely volunteer-run: many people freely contributing a small amount of time to create a quite literally world-beating facility.
My role as a trustee is to see that the track remains a community-led organisation, making the track as accessible as possible and encouraging everyone to play some part in the life of the velodrome.
Marta Cooper
I started attending the women's sessions at HHV in 2016 - my first time riding fixed. Thanks to the supportive environment, superb coaching and warm sense of community that is so intrinsic to HHV, I stuck around, and started racing here in 2018.
I've since been involved in all aspects of women's cycling at HHV, namely working with coaches and other volunteers to try to make sure our pathway, sessions and racing leagues are as accessible as possible to women of all abilities. As a trustee I support the HHV team with communications and work with them and other stakeholders to ensure HHV can continue to be accessible to a wide and diverse group of users as possible.
Siobhan Harvey
I came fairly late to cycling, getting my road bike when I was 30. I discovered the sentiment of the saying “It’s like riding a bike” couldn’t be further from the truth – it took time, plenty of falls, and too often adopting the phrase “I’d rather risk it than clip out at the next roundabout” (I didn’t mean it but I really struggled with those clips!!). I am impressed by the support that HHV offers to people in a similar novice position as an adult, as well as it being a space for the elite to train! It seems to be a very diverse and inclusive space which is a passion for me in my HR career too.
As an HR Director, I support the velodrome team with all things people, process and structure. And as above, diversity & inclusion is a real passion so I hope to support in the ongoing inclusivity work HHV does within the world of cycling.”
Paul Merrey
I’ve been a keen cyclist all my life, racing for Swansea Wheelers in my teens and more recently riding from John O’Groats to Lands End and enjoying and numerous trips to the Alps and Pyrenees.
I became a local resident in 2016 and joined the Trust to help the transition from the Save The Velodrome campaign to the trading operation it is today, enabling this historic site to better serve the local community and welcome newcomers of all ages and abilities to the sport.
Christine O’Connell
I grew up surrounded by bikes but only caught the cycling bug properly in 2012. I haven’t looked back since, and spend most weekends on the road or the trails.
I am a strong believer in the health- physical and mental- benefits of cycling and founded a cycling campaign to fund breast cancer research.
I am keen to expand access to Velodrome to a broad range of riders, and its place in the broader cycling community. I have worked for over 20 years in corporate strategy and development, and serve as a trustee of several charities.
Simon Price
I have been a local resident for 15 years and moved to Dulwich at a time when the velodrome was closed and there was no clear idea as to how the facilities would be able to open again. Having watched how local residents and cycling enthusiasts managed to get funding to transform the facilities at the site,
I became a trustee in 2016 to help the Trust set out its plan for the next hundred years so the track can remain a viable resource for future generations. My day job is as a solicitor specialising in real estate and so my role on the Trust is to help give legal oversight to the track operations as well as involvement in negotiating sponsorship deals and major events. Daily rides into the City is the limit of my cycling nowadays.
Max Reuter
Having used my bike to get around for all my life, I only started cycling ‘properly’ in my late thirties. In the almost ten years since then, I have enjoyed riding and racing cyclocross, track, road and mountain bike.
I discovered the Herne Hill Velodrome when taking my kids to Herne Hill Youth mountain bike sessions and instantly fell in love with the place. I started riding the track and joined the Friends of HHV committee a few years later. Now serving as Friends Trustee, I represent all velodrome users at the Trust and Trade Company and work for a diverse cycling community at HHV.
Richard Williams
My parents were at HH for the 1948 Olympics, the legendary Reg Harris meetings and for the appearance in 1958 of the Campionissmo, Fausto Coppi. I raced at HH in the 70s and 80s and rode competitively in Europe living on the Dutch/German border in the late 1980s. I am, and always will be a passionate cyclist.
I was appointed as British Cycling’s trustee in 2009. I am a chartered surveyor and was principally involved in agreeing new lease terms with the freeholders, and overseeing the design, procurement and delivery of the new pavilion. I continue to focus on landlord and tenant related matters.
Our Partners
- Click the image to learn more about the work of the Rapha Foundation -
- Click the logo to learn more about Frog Bikes and their support of kids cycling -
- Click the image to learn more about Condor Cycles and their support of HHV -
MAJOR DONORS & SUPPORTING CLUBS
OUR BANNER ADVERTISERS
The following companies support HHV by advertising down at the track. Click on the links to find out more about who they are and what they offer.
For more information about advertising at HHV, scroll down or click here.
A bespoke management company developing athletes beyond their sport
Cycling clothing and accessories for all conditions, to help you stay outside for longer.
Convene is the multi-awarded board management and portal solution that simplifies the board meeting process.
We are an independent cycling retailer offering the best brands & workshop services.
Bicycle repair workshop and bicycles and bike accessorise retailer.
We analyze the cyclist in motion to ensure fabric, design and construction deliver anatomic fit with optimal comfort.
We make bold, refreshing beers inspired by the vibrant London neighborhood we're proud to call home.
A workers co-operative. We are run as a community focused bike shop, serving Brixton and the surrounding area. What's our ethos? People before profit. Simple.
Made in London, Brompton is the ultimate folding bike. Bringing freedom in the city and beyond.
We've been providing chiropractic to Londoners since 1988. If you're in pain or want to give your health a boost, come and visit one of our clinics
Community based Adult and Junior multi-sport club for all different ages and abilities.
A review platform for cycling clubs & groups committed to increasing access to cycling for everyone.
A comprehensive bike service which focuses on cycling well being - bike fitting, orthotics and physio.
De Laune CC, one of the oldest Cycling Clubs in the UK, based in south London.
Established, family cycling shop sells and services bikes from commuter models to racing machines.
Independent bookshop at the heart of the community of West Dulwich.
Dulwich Paragon is a friendly cycling club based in South London, dedicated to the serious and sporting cyclist.
Design scaffold specialists serving the construction, access, events and weather protection industries
A cycle coaching centre and club.
Whatever your goals, we’ll help you achieve them.
Faff-free bike repair, putting ‘service' back into servicing (formerly known as Handlebars).
Teaching mountain bike skills for nearly 20 years at this historic venue, encouraging, coaching and having fun on Saturdays and beyond.
Handsling Bikes manufacture carbon bicycle frames and carbon bicycle wheels for road, cyclocross, track, gravel and mountain biking
Pushing the limits of wheel aerodynamics, mechanical and materials engineering.
Kiddy Mates on Toy Bikes (KMOTB)
All the gear and some idea. We ride for fun, mostly out of SE London. An informal cycling club with interests in road, track, gravel and more
Cycling insurance providing customers and businesses’ with a fairer, collective-driven approach to insurance.
Lake's mission is to make the best fitting and most comfortable performance cycling shoes in the world
Helping our clients through complex land use changes and creating bold new visions for places.
MAAP is committed to developing the art and progression of cycling through a considered approach to style, innovation and performance.
The next generation of drivetrain performance.
Outstanding education for primary school children
High quality, bespoke bicycle wheels,
expertly hand built in South London by Pete Owen.
We make cycling clothing so you can stand out when you ride out.
Peckham CC is an inclusive and welcoming social cycling club: our Saturday club ride is open to all.
Pedal Me use e-cargo bikes to replace unnecessary motor vehicle trips and reduce carbon emissions.
A dynamic, high performing, family owned and run estate agency and property services company based in South East London
We publish original writing on cycling; beautiful books with lasting appeal.
Is it a way of life? Or perhaps a state of mind? Does it get results? Nobody really knows…
QUOC is an independent, British brand with a 12 year history in designing performance cycling shoes.
Expert bicycle servicing, custom builds and wheelbuilds in Nunhead, SE15
Plant powered performance endurance nutrition that's better for you and the planet too.
Race Event Software to help race directors organise, plan and run races.
Custom bike spraying
Rosemead Preparatory School and Nursery
An independent co-educational day prep school for children aged 2 ½ to 11 located in Dulwich
Magazine, website, podcast
Tyre technology company for the optimum riding experience
The UK's leading cycling retailer. Looking for your dream bike, latest trends or technology? Come in store and speak to our experts.
South Bermondsey based Brewery championing mid-strength brewing. Their beers are big on flavour, lower in calories & sugar and all at a sessionable ABV.
Architecture, Urban Design & Landscape Architecture
Putting the adventure in A to B through a range of highly capable, adaptable and stylish bikes, from folding conventional to electric cargo bikes, there's a Tern for everyone.
Service and Repair specialist with four London retail stores
We provide world class coaching packages to novice and elite cyclists (covering all disciplines)
Velo Club Londres is a cycling club open to people of any age with an interest in the sport of cycling: racing, recreational, social and supporting.
Velociposse is a cycling club based in London. We ride, race and hold skills sessions. Our aim is to get more women and non-binary people into cycling.
Cycling Specific Physiotherapy and expert physiotherapy for injury and bike fit. Be your best.
Wahoo is the global leader in connected fitness devices for cyclists, runners and triathletes.
Windrush Triathlon Club is a super friendly club who love the three sports of triathlon: swimming, cycling and running
Effective, Ethical and Ecological Pest Prevention and Control
A global hotel brand with a difference, a smart, creative and authentic experience.
ADVERTISE AT HHV
Get your brand, business, club or event seen by thousands of people every week. With an ever-growing audience of riders, spectators, media days, corporate sessions, cycling clubs & local community groups, there’s no better place to get your brand, business or club noticed than at Herne Hill Velodrome. We have a range of options available with prices starting from just £290exc.
For more details email us at info@hernehillvelodrome.com or click here to download a brochure (3mb jpg)
