Sport of the Month London Bike Polo

What is Bike Polo?

Considered by some in London as an extreme sport, bike polo is traditional polo with a twist. All that is needed is a bike, a mallet and a desire to compete.

The first bike polo game was organised in Dublin in October 1891. What may come as a surprise to many is that bike polo became an Olympic Exhibition Sport in 1908, but fell into decline with the advent of mass motoring. The Chelsea Pedlars (www.chelseapedlars.com) re-activated the sport in the mid-1980s, playing on grass as per the Club's tradition.

Why play bike polo?

Bike polo is played outdoors so it is a great way to work the main muscles groups while enjoying London. There is a large bike polo league in London, the UK and abroad.

It is a great form of fitness, utilising and improving coordination skills. It will bring out the competitor in you and release your inner sports star.  It also is a great way to network and expand your social contacts.

How do I start?

 
It is easy: just show up! The Chelsea Pedlars, like most teams, are always looking for more members, just show up and ask to participate.

The Chelsea Pedlars play every Thursday evening at 7 pm at Bishop's Park in Fulham. They will provide equipment or participants can bring their own.

The Rules:

Bike polo is made up of two teams trying to score goals against each other. Games are played on either grass fields or hard-courts.

Teams are made up of eight players: five are active, one as goalkeeper and four at outfield players.

A game lasts one hour and is divided into four parts.

Players hold the mallet in their right hand and can't touch the ground while in possession of the ball or while attacking an opponent.

Opponents must  always be attacked from the side the ball is on.

Cyclists score by driving the ball into the goal of the opposing team.

This is a starter list of rules, for a full list of rules and details visit chelseapedlars.com