The best advice I’ve ever received as a cyclist?
Go on a cycle training course!
Despite being a confident cyclist, a friend of mine, LCC trustee David Love, convinced me I should go. I did, and it completely changed the way I cycle.
After I’d been on the course I noticed dangerous situations I was putting myself in regularly. I noticed how differently I was treated by drivers, once I’d made a few small changes to my cycling technique.
Most people scoff at the notion, because they think it’s like what you did as a child, in a fluorescent jacket, going down quiet streets.
It’s nothing like that! The courses are generally two hours of one on one tuition where you get incredibly useful advice from well researched cycling techniques.
By the end of it, you’ll feel far more confident.
The best part? Most of these courses are subsidised and are either free or very cheap.
Below, I’ve listed who you need to get in touch with to take a cycle training course. If your area isn’t listed then I recommend contacting TfL who can recommend a group in your area.
- Barking and Dagenham: Email: TransportPolicy@lbbd.gov.uk about cycle training.
- Brent, Ealing, Hackney, Westminster, Haringey and City of London: Cycle Training UK
- Bromley: Council website
- Camden: Council website
- Croydon, Tower Hamlets: Cycling instructor
- Enfield, Southwark, Lambeth, Newham, Westminster: Cycle Confident
- Greenwich: Council website
- Hammersmith & Fulham: Council website (organised through Bikeworks)
- Havering: Cycle Training East
- Hillingdon: Council website
- Harrow, Hounslow and Redbridge. Contact: Cycle Experience
- Islington: Council website
- Kensington and Chelsea: Booking form
- Kingston upon Thames: Council website
- Lewisham: Council website
- Merton: Council website
- Richmond upon Thames: Council website
- Sutton: Council website
- Wandsworth: Council website
Camden council have put together a video showing some of the things you’ll learn in a two hour session.
I went on a free Lambeth course in January and learnt two very useful tips.
http://www.lambeth.gov.uk/Services/TransportStreets/WalkingCycling/Cycle+Training.htm
I started commuting by bike in 1987.
Jon
Liked the red gloves. Reinforced my reason to buy gloves with as much red as I can get for my commute.
I went on a one-to-one course organised by Bromley 3 years ago – and I’d thoroughly recommend it. I drive and I’ve been a local cyclist for years and I thought I’d like to get out and about more on my bike and that it’d be a good idea for have some training. My instructor told me I cycled like a driver and that as a cyclist I should command the space I’m in rather than giving drivers a narrow gap through which to aim. Lots of other tips have made me a better safer cyclist.
I went on the Lambeth subsidised course purely cause I got a free advanced maintenance course. With the new knowledge I have since saved hundreds on repair bills, built 2 bikes and pining for my next project as well as riding a lot more confidently on the road.
I wasn’t exactly lacking in confidence in the first place but a couple changes to my riding style and have since noticed the benefits. I have recommended this to anyone who’ll listen.
Not all authorities offer cycle training Barnet don’t and say:-
“If a school encourages their pupils to cycle to school a cycling policy and cycle storage should be in place. It is recommended that pupils do not cycle to school on the road unless they have received appropriate cycle training to level 2 of the national Bikeability scheme
The school itself may organise cycle training for their pupils. If not, you can arrange for private cycle training for your child by finding a local, bikeability registered provider. There will be a charge for the training. ” Nothing for adults.
Also Richmond charge £25 per session for adults. Strange as TfL offer at lest £100k pa to councils to run Bikeability. I guess some councils just don’t want to ask for it, for whatever reason.
I did my training and I will recommend it to women who cycle to work. It was the best decision I ever did and now I can cycle knowing am doing it right. I cycled with wandsworth council which offers FREE training!
Richmond are currently charging a tenner for 90 mins one to one. Search cycle training on the Richmond Council website. Unfortunately, I live just over the border in Hounslow…. As far as I can see, they’re doing B all.
To people who commented that their local borough council doesn’t provide free cycle training- if your workplace is ina different borough, check if you can take the training there instead.
I took my course in Newham and I’ve been confidently cycling to work ever since!
Hi there I live in newham and I am an adult, I can’t ride but want to learn, is this suitable for me or is it really just for people that already know how to ride, thanks in advance.
hi there i live in hollaway north london and i’m an adult.
i can’t ride cycle i want learn it
Can anyone recommend a cycling course in or near Southwark. Can ride a bike but not very confident, I know I’m doing lots wrong. Probably putting myself in lots of danger without knowing it. Thanks
Cycle confident
1-3Brixton rd
Vassal,London