Submitted by Grainne Kennedy on Wed, 2018-07-25 09:01
Many of us take the skill of cycling for granted. But what does it take to master cycling as an adult if you were never taught as a child or your experiences riding a bike were limited? Learning to cycle is indeed a daunting task, but worry not - we can help! University staff can access free Cycle Skills Training session with our contracted cycle instructor Richard Cooper (pictured).
Richard established his company, Ridingabike, in 2007 and became just the 75th group in the UK to gain Bikeability certification. Richard has been involved in cycle training development from the very start, and today he works with everyone from schoolchildren, to families, to the Police Service and finally with lorry drivers as part of Safer Urban Driver scheme.
13 University of Cambridge staff have benefitted from Richard’s cycle training workshops since we launched this scheme in April, and many slots remain. If you would like to book, check here to determine what level of training you may need, and email Richard’s company Ridingabike to arrange a session.
So far, University staff taking the lessons have ranged from those who have never cycled before through to those who were cyclists as children but are a little rusty, right up to those who are experienced cyclists who would like some safety pointers. All three types of cyclist can attend the lessons to build their confidence on the road, and individual tuition or in small groups can really help. Many have a specific journey in mind that they would like to master, for example a regular journey that brings them through the city centre, and Ridingabike can provide strategy and confidence to tackle that journey.
“Richard was kind and helpful. He helped adjust my bike to my preferences and answered all the questions I had. The route was tailored to my needs. The information I received was very useful and definitely helped me to be more confident, and use the bike to get to places in Cambridge. I would highly recommend this course to everyone; to improve safety and to promote the use of bikes”
Staff testimonial July 2018
Ridingabike have also been contracted by the University to deliver cycle maintenance workshops and cycle safety seminars, so once you have gained confidence on the road you can then learn how to carry out run of the mill repairs on your bike to stay safe on the road.
The next maintenance workshop will take place on Cycle to Work Day, 15 August, on the green in front of the Botany building (Downing Site) and on the same day there will be a cycle safety seminar in Plant Sciences (also Downing Site).
Click on the links above to book your place