Free cycle training
LANCASTER City Council is offering a variety of bike maintenance and cycle skill courses to help you make the most of our wonderful district by bike.
If you’ve not ridden a bike for a long time and need that extra bit of confidence to get back on the saddle, why not take advantage of the special offer currently available for 1-2-1 cycle training and get the first two hours free!
If you think you would benefit from personal rather than group training then this is the course for you. Each session lasts one hour and you can book as many sessions as you think you need, either on or off road at a time and location that fits your schedule. Why not gain advice to confidently navigate a junction you have difficulty crossing on your journey to work or learn about the correct road position when cycling on busier routes.
We have a number of fully qualified national standard instructors who can teach all levels from basic skills to on-road cycling. Our instructors can help give you the skills and confidence needed to cycle in whatever environment you choose be it on busy roads or traffic free paths. Get in touch and we'll ask one of instructors to call to arrange a convenient location, date and time for your training.
Instructor Keith Dawson said: “Each session with an experienced instructor will be tailored to your own requirements, whether it be as a complete learner, a leisure cyclist or a more experienced cyclist who may need advice on how to negotiate complex traffic situations or on using the new cycle lanes around the town".
To take advantage of the special offer to receive the first 2 hours free call 01524 582392 / 582616. Usual training costs vary from £12 - £15 per hour.
Safety in numbers
Perhaps there are a few of you, maybe a group of colleagues, who are interested in training together. Sessions can be tailored to meet your workplace or groups needs and can last from one to two hours.
Lancashire Police are one organisation who has taken part in this training scheme. One trainee said: “I’ve been cycling for over 40 years and consider myself to be an experienced cyclist, but I enjoyed the cycle training. I picked up quite a few tips and had some bad habits pointed out to me.”
To find out more about organising a group or workplace session please contact us 01524 582392/582616 or email celebratingcycling@lancaster.gov.uk
Bike Buddies
Ever said: “I would cycle to work, but…”
There are hundreds of excuses to stop you getting on the bike, so Bike Buddy has come up with a scheme to help you find your way to work from home.
A Bike Buddy is an experienced cyclist with good local knowledge who will map out a suitable route for any journey; it doesn’t just have to be work. Your Bike Buddy won’t even charge you – that’s what friends are for.
Buddies will also able to give information on the local cycle network, to give tips on riding safely in traffic, varying environments and weather conditions and offer advice on equipment, accessories and basic bike maintenance.
Local resident Katy Thorpe tried the Bike Buddy scheme and said: “The bike buddy service was fantastic, I cannot sing its praises enough. I contacted them as a nervous cyclist who hadn’t ridden for over ten years, and ended up feeling so confident about riding that a month on, I’ve decided to sell my car and use the bike as my main mode of transport. My buddy was informative, skilled, friendly, and very patient. Together we found a comfortable route from my house to work, and travelled there and back so I knew exactly what to look out for on the way. I really would recommend this service to anyone.”
Date Published: 26/02/10