[1] It was established by the National Clarion Cycling Club, Labour Party activists and trade unionists.
The BWSF had branches across the country, but it was strongest in London, Manchester, South Wales and the industrial areas of Scotland.
As a result, moderate Labour Party members and unionists left the association.
The BWSF soon joined the Comintern-led Red Sport International and participated in the 1928 Moscow Spartakiad.
In 1930, the Labour Party and the Trades Union Congress founded the National Workers' Sports Association as a counterweight to the BWSF.