London offering cycle training for riders of all ages and abilities

Transport for London (TfL) is reminding all Londoners that they can get tailored cycle training for riders of all ages and abilities from their local boroughs.

“We would like to see all new cyclists get involved with cycle training to equip themselves with the skills for travelling on London’s roads,” said Ben Plowden, TfL’s Director of Strategy and Planning. “More experienced cyclists can definitely benefit too – advanced training sessions can challenge perceptions, help shake off bad cycling habits and improve safety on the road.”

The training, which is available from most London boroughs for free or a small fee, provides advice and safety tips to cyclists of all ages and abilities. All cycle trainers are accredited through Bikeability – the ‘cycling proficiency for the 21st century’ – and the training is designed to give people the skills and confidence to ride their bikes on London’s roads. Of those who participated in cycle training last year, around 60 percent were beginners but only around 20 percent were regular cyclists, cycling multiple times a week, and the aim is to increase this in 2015.

TfL continues to work with British Cycling to help new cyclists gain confidence by also offering guided cycle rides across London. Riding with others in a group with a professional, trained leader is fun and helps people new to cycling get the confidence they need to cycle more regularly. More than 200 rides are already planned to take place during 2015, including a number of rides specifically just for women.

“The prospect of completing a ride on the open road can sometimes seem daunting for cyclists new and old,” said Stewart Kellett, British Cycling’s Recreation and Partnerships Director. “That’s where our Sky Ride Local, Ride Social and Breeze rides can help. The rides are a fun and social way to build confidence and explore new routes. With many choosing cycling as their new year’s resolution, we’re looking forward to welcoming hundreds of new people to our rides this year.”

For younger cyclists, the Bikeability scheme rewards youngsters for taking part in cycle training by allowing them to work their way through three levels as they move from primary to secondary school. The levels build from learning how to control their bike in a safe, off-road environment up to cycling on busier roads and managing complex junctions in London. Bikeability cycle training is available free to nearly all schools in London.