Short Journey Workshop – Setbacks & Challenges

Outcomes

• Identify, acknowledge and anticipate setbacks that might hinder short journeys by bike.

• Discuss ways to overcome those setbacks.

Information

Without a doubt the freedom of cycling for short journeys results in a great feeling along with health and economic benefits. It is an important break from using the car and creates a wonderful sense of independence for those who may not have easy access to a car or public transport.

However, there will be moments when using your bike for short journeys when something will challenge your abilities or set you back a bit.

There will be moments where you might think ‘am I the only one cycling here?’

Although every individual will have their own strategies for coping with setbacks and challenges, here are a few exercises and resources to build up a resilience to things that might become barriers to cycling more often.

Worksheets:

Setbacks Cutout

Comparison of car, walk and bike ready

Support Group Worksheet

Shift up, Shift Down game

Activity 2

Setbacks draw

The more you cycle the more chance there will be of some kind of setback that may discourage you from cycling or affect your confidence.

Participant numbers per table – 2–6.

Cut out the 12 setback discs from the printed worksheet. There are additional blank ones if you would like to add any of your own.

Place them face down in the middle of a table with everyone seated around.

Get someone to draw one of the setback examples from the middle, read it aloud.

Ask them if that has happened to them and if so how did they deal with it. If it hasn’t been their experience, how would they deal with it. Limit each answer to 1 minute.

Open the question up to the whole group.

Go round so each person has had a chance. If someone doesn’t have any experience or examples, that’s okay, see if there are any suggestions from the rest of the group. Play as many rounds as you wish.

Inspiration

Challenges Timeline Worksheet

• Printed worksheets with setback examples

• Shift up, shift down game, dice & markers

Materials needed The session

20–30 mins Indoors/outdoors Small table groups of 2–6