PROMOTION
MANY of us like the idea of cycling around the city – getting fit, saving money, and helping the environment while we’re at it. But how many of us actually have the confidence to get on a bike and try it?
As someone who is just returning to cycling I feel a great deal safer and more confident on the roads as a result.
Not many, we’d guess. But that could be about to change. BikeRight! is offering Manchester residents free cycling training courses, designed to help people feel empowered, confident and safe while cycling on the roads.
Known as Freewheeling Training Courses, they’re available for adults of all abilities from the never-been-on-a-bike beginner, to the cycling commuter who wants to know the best way to tackle that tricky roundabout.
After completing the Level 2 course, one participant said, “As someone who is just returning to cycling I feel a great deal safer and more confident on the roads as a result. My commute to work on my bike is certainly a lot less stressful.”
The courses are held in Openshaw and are delivered by BikeRight!, the largest cycling development organisation in the UK. Every year they train upwards of 20,000 people, using accredited instructors who know how to put you at ease.
Bikes and helmets are free to use and the teaching is delivered in a friendly, informal way. Courses are free to Manchester residents. If you live outside Manchester, you can book on a course for £60.
Summer is a great time to get into cycling. Whether you’ve been inspired by the Tour de France, or by watching cyclists get to work faster and cheaper than you, now’s the time to get on your bike.
Check out the courses below then book your free place by visiting www.bikeright.co.uk/freewheeling
Freewheeling Training Courses
BikeRight! offer four free courses for you to choose from:
Learn to Ride: Do you consider yourself to be a complete beginner?
BikeRight! run sessions for those who are yet unable to ride a bike. You may be amongst the many that never learnt as a child or you may have recently uncovered a new desire to learn. The sessions are run by experienced instructors who will guide you step-by-step, from getting on and off your bike to making the bike go where you want, while continuously working on your balance.
Novices - Level 1: Have you recently learnt how to ride a bike or are you returning to cycling after a long break?
Level 1 courses are for those who can ride a bike but are not very confident about their cycling abilities. They are taught in a safe, traffic-free environment. Pick up the skills and knowledge you need to go down to the local park, or to take a trip out into the countryside with your friends and family. You may also one day wish to cycle to work – they can help you work towards this too.
Improvers - Level 2: Do roads today look like a no-go area for you and your two wheels?
Whether you’ve been cycling for a while or returning to cycling, the road may seem daunting. Level 2 will help you boost your confidence, skills and cycling techniques for dealing with traffic. This training is delivered on quiet roads with some traffic, where you will have the opportunity to practice the theory of on-road cycling.
Advanced Rider - Level 3: Would you like to try that commute to work, is there a certain road or roundabout you still find daunting?
Level 3 is delivered as a one-to-one. The instructor can come to you and ride your route with you, where they can show you how to tackle busy roads and junctions with ease and confidence. You may have been cycling and using the roads for years but there is always something new to learn to hone your skills.
