LEARN Support Resources – Returning to Ride

Outcomes

• Refresh bike handling skills to safely and confidently ride a bike.

• Have up to date knowledge of the highway code and how to ride on the road.

• Awareness of journey planning.

Information

If you have the confidence and capability to shadow one to one with someone, cyclinguk.org/teachingadults has some helpful guidance.

For more in-depth development consider a local cycle trainer or cycle ride leader (try your local cycling club) might be willing to support these sessions.

A series of 2–3 one hour workshops over the course of a few weeks, each focusing on one of the outcomes to develop participant’s skills and knowledge over time.

Programme possibilities

Where possible include time and space for participants to ride and practice their cycling skills at the end of each workshop to put their learnings into practice.

Allow participants to test their bike handling skills and practice cornering, braking, gearing, signalling and observation (particularly behind). Ideally making this space available at each session for people to practice and develop. As confidence and skills improve and knowledge of the highway code/on road cycling has been shared. Where appropriate see if a local cycle ride leader would be prepared to offer a short local led ride. Alternatively encourage people to buddy up with a friend or family member, agree on a realistic ride or cycling goal you want to achieve and a date by which you want to achieve it.

Plan what you need and how you think you can work towards your goal – small weekly goals to build on your progress work well. Use quiet residential areas or car parks to practice skills such as steering, braking, gearing, looking over your shoulders and indicating. Plan a short ride together (you can visit or walk sections of the route you are unsure about), think about the day and time of day. Consider road or surface type and keep the distance manageable. Cycling should be fun so keep this in mind when planning your route – is there a local farm shop, cafe or heritage site for example that will make your ride more enjoyable? Remember to take some water and it is ok to stop and get off if you are not feeling safe or need a break.

*NB Any cycle training should only be directed by certified instructors*

Alternatively a series of worksheets could be offered covering information linking to the outcomes listed.

These could be given out or discussed in a group environment to allow people to ask questions and offer learnings from their own experiences. A ‘quiz’ could be used to test knowledge following each session/worksheet.

Refer to Shift’s support activity worksheets for M check, learn to ride and journey planning for additional support on this activity.

Materials needed

• Safe, quiet area for practicing cycling skills such as a playground, park or car park. (avoid areas which may be impacted by school runs or rush hours).

• Space to carry out M checks and an area to lay out cones.

• Quiet roads and junctions to practice on road skills.

• Information or worksheets for participants to work through and test knowledge.

Costings

(Cost for tutor with CS certification to run the session). If running practical sessions there may be venue costs (£10–£30).

Helpful links

Cycling UK – riding advice for beginners

Cycling UK – teaching an adult to ride a bike

Cycling UK – 10 ways to get started on your bike

Cycling Scotland – adult training resources

Cycling UK – ensure drivers see you when cycling Gov.uk – highway code

Cycling Scotland – essential cycling skills