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1 Dec 2025

As of Thursday 1st January 2026, the E-Bike Positive campaign will fall under the joint guardianship of the Bicycle Association (BA) and the Association of Cycle Traders (ACT).

27 Nov 2025

Cycling charity and ACT member Life Cycle has helped a former prisoner gain key bike mechanic skills to help “break the cycle of reoffending” through a Cytech-accredited training...

26 Nov 2025

The ACT has welcomed the Government's decision not to impose a cap on the cycle to work scheme, calling it "common sense prevailing" after weeks of speculation threatened a vital sales tool for...

25 Nov 2025

Longstanding independent Ipswich bike shop Elmy Cycles has installed brand-new doors and adjusted its layout, thanks to funding from Ipswich Borough Council under the Town Fund Grant Scheme.

24 Nov 2025

More than three-quarters of independent retailers, including some of those in the cycling retail sector, are boycotting Black Friday this year, rejecting pressure...

24 Nov 2025

Belhaven Bikes has announced the winner of its 20th anniversary prize draw, celebrating two decades in business.

21 Nov 2025

 Following numerous requests from members, here is an update on the speculation surrounding possible changes to the Cycle to Work scheme.

18 Nov 2025

Independent retailers are warning that proposed changes to the Cycle to Work scheme risk deepening pressures already felt on the shop floor. Writing on LinkedIn just under a week ago, A&S...

17 Nov 2025

Cycling industry bodies have reacted with alarm to reports that the Government is considering re-introducing a spending cap on Cycle to Work purchases, a proposal expected to be examined as part...

13 Nov 2025

The ACT will exhibit at COREbike for the first time in 2026, further strengthening its presence across the UK cycle industry.

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Cytech Training Returns to Darlington as Activate Cycle Academy Reopens Workshop

Posted on in Business News , Cycles News

Activate Cycle Academy has reopened its Cytech training facility in Darlington, offering a full range of courses from Home Mechanic up to Cytech Technical Three.

Activate Cycle Academy

The academy, a Cytech training provider and member of the ACT, has reinstated the workshop inside the ZyroFisher building in Darlington.

The workshop is now led by new trainer Chris Borrowdale, a former British Army instructor and experienced downhill racer with a background in outdoor adventure.

Borrowdale gained his cycle mechanic training and Technical Trail Leader qualifications while in the military and brings a wealth of leadership and mechanical experience to the role.

“During my time in the forces, I was incredibly lucky to take part in and gain qualifications in loads of adventure training, including my cycle mechanic training and my Technical Trail Leader,” Mr Barrowdale said.

After leaving the army in 2017, Borrowdale worked and travelled abroad, including a summer as head bike guide in Greece, where he managed a busy hire fleet and developed the skills of his team.

“Taking on this role felt like something that had been a few years coming,” he added.

The facility first opened in 2022 but was temporarily closed while the academy searched for a new trainer.

Reacting to the reopening, Jonathan Harrison, Director of the ACT, said: “It’s fantastic to see Cytech training return to Darlington, helping ensure high standards of cycle maintenance training are accessible to more people across the UK.”

Courses at the Darlington workshop are now available to book through the Activate Cycle Academy website.

Members of the ACT get exclusive access to Cytech accreditation. To learn more, visit the Cytech website.

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