Free cycle training and maintenance workshops on offer across the West Midlands

Free cycle skills workshops, including bike riding lessons, sessions on how to maintain and fix a bicycle are being offered throughout the region this summer.

The workshops, offered by Cycling UK and funded by Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), will be running throughout the summer to encourage more adults of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to explore the joys of cycling.

The UK’s leading cycling charity is partnering with local community groups to deliver the programme which will address the barriers to cycling, following a new survey that revealed over a third of people in the region lack confidence in their cycling ability.

The national survey, commissioned by Cycling UK, included responses from over 4,000 people, with 1,037 from the Midlands. Despite 92% of adults in the area being able to ride, many are hesitant to get on their bikes.

Additionally, more than one in five Midlanders (21%) are discouraged from cycling due to the cost of purchasing and maintaining a bicycle and cycling equipment, while more than one in ten (11%) lack knowledge of bike maintenance.

The survey also revealed that two-thirds of people in the Midlands (66%) want to encourage more cycling, with only 8% stating they did not agree that people should be encouraged to cycle more.

Digging deeper into the reasons why most of the Midlands want to both cycle and encourage others to cycle, the public collectively recognise the benefits cycling has to mental and physical health. When asked, ‘which do you think are the three most important benefits of cycling’, respondents answered it improves physical health (63%), boosts fitness (51%), and enhances mental health (35%).

Safety fears are a huge barrier preventing many people from cycling on our streets and these sessions are designed to provide people with the awareness, skills and knowledge needed to travel confidently and safely. getting used to riding alongside other road users.

At the same time TfWM, working with local councils, is developing a network of safe cycle routes across the region to make it easier for people to choose to travel by bike.

Andrew Cremin, Cycling UK head of behaviour change and development (England), said: “We’re excited to be working with Transport for West Midlands to improve cycling skills in people from the region who don’t cycle at all or who aren’t regular cyclists.

“Anyone looking to boost their cycling confidence or brush up their bike maintenance skills should visit our website to find out which local organisations are running training sessions in their area.

“Cycling UK behavioural change programmes have benefited more than 700,000 people over the past decade, including many from disadvantaged and minority groups. enabling them to live happier, healthier and greener lives through cycling.”

Mark Corbin, Director of Network Resilience at Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), said: “We believe everyone should have the opportunity to experience the benefits of cycling. Our vision for a healthier, greener West Midlands includes a thriving cycling culture where people of all ages and abilities can confidently and safely travel by bike. This will help reduce congestion and improve air quality for everyone.”

"We are excited to fund a wider cycling activities programme. Cycling UK is delivering free adult cycle training sessions and cycle maintenance training workshops throughout the summer. By investing in these initiatives, we aim to address the confidence and knowledge barriers highlighted in Cycling UK’s recent survey, making cycling a more accessible and attractive option for everyone.”

“By creating a safer, more convenient cycling environment and offering these practical incentives and training opportunities, we aim to make cycling the natural choice for shorter journeys.”