Cycle Training

ginnyleonard's picture

Free cycle training in West Yorkshire!

By ginnyleonard on 24 January 2013
David Hall from West Yorkshire has benefited from free adult cycle training and now he is such a confident cyclist he's getting ready to ride the 'Way of the Roses'.
Way of the Roses sign

CTC's Cycling Development Officer for West Yorkshire Ginny Leonard was contacted by David Hall in the summer of 2012, he had never had the opportunity to learn to ride a bike. Being over the age of 40 David told Ginny he lacked confidence in his ability to ride a bike and after he had taken a tumble,  he thought he never would ride a bike. However, with support from CTC David decided to give cycling one more go.

Dan Cook's picture

Mountain biking in snow and ice

By Dan Cook on 16 January 2013
Snow, ice, grit and slips... CTC's Dan Cook shares his techniques to help you stay upright, build confidence and even enjoy mountain biking in the snow!
Riding in snow

With the onset of snow, you have the opportunity to encounter some truly fantastic environments on your bike. Despite the ice and the heightened risk of slips and crashes, riding in the snow is actually quite safe (as you are travelling slowly and there are lots of drifts to fall into) and most of all, its fun!.

Like anything new, there is a bit of working out how to do it so you feel comfortable. First though you do have to get out there and try it.

Julie Rand's picture

So you want to start cycle commuting - but are afraid of the traffic?

By Julie Rand on 8 January 2013
So you fancy saving money, getting fit and beating the traffic jams by cycling to work – but you're put off by the thought of the risks involved? Well, rest assured, the risks of cycling are about the same as walking per mile travelled – and the greater danger to your health is inactivity.
A cyclist indicates to turn right

But knowing this may still not be enough reassure you to take to two wheels. In that case, a short course in cycle training may be just what you need to give you the skills and confidence you need to make you feel – and be – safer.

Don’t worry about being made to feel silly with memories of riding around bollards in the school playground when you did your Cycling Proficiency. Things have moved on apace since those days and cycle training now mainly takes place in the real world and could involve the journeys you actually want to make.

BrettNicolle's picture

First 'graduate' from CTC Adult Cycle Training Scheme in Plymouth

By BrettNicolle on 26 October 2012
This week, Elaine Norman, the first participant in CTC's Adult Cycle Training Scheme, run in partnership with Plymouth City Council, completed her Level 1 National Cycle Training Standards Course and is keen to get out and about by bicycle in Plymouth.
Elaine completes here CTC cycle training

The Adult Cycle Scheme, part of Plymouth City Council's 'Plymotion' initiative, to promote healthy, sustainable travel choices, offers free cycle training, a bike safety check and guided rides to encourage people to switch to bicycles for urban journeys, such as commuting to work or popping down to the shops.

Anna Cipullo's picture

WWF partners with the CTC to get employees on their bikes

By Anna Cipullo on 23 October 2012
CTC ran cycle training and personalised travel planning at WWF's office in Godalming, Surrey, to help encourage more employees to cycle to work.
CTC cycle instructor and trainees

Lucy Potashnick, WWF’s Environmental Manager, says: “In a staff travel survey in March 2010, Of the 19% of staff that live within 3 miles or less from work, 40% still use their car to travel into work.”

Julie Rand's picture

Beam me up Scotty! Do 'laser beam' cycle lanes help make you safe?

By Julie Rand on 23 October 2012
A recent Guardian Bike Blog discussed the effects of a new 'safety' device: 'TheXfire.com - Bike Lane Laser Safety Lighting System' projects a set of red lines around your bike to give the illusion of a cycle lane, the idea being to encourage drivers to give you more space when overtaking.
The Xfire virtual bike lane

But does it work? CTC's Technical Officer Chris Juden is somewhat sceptical.  He told The Guardian:

"Can the driver even see the nearside road surface? Not very near he can't. My bonnet blocks my view of that part of the road for some distance ahead. I think this is a mostly harmless gimmick. I'd rather have the extra light directed somewhere more obviously useful instead."

Victoria Hazael's picture

A thousand cyclists take to the trails at the Dalby Forest open day

By Victoria Hazael on 18 October 2012
Dalby Bike Barn's open day on 13 October showcased a range of CTC taster courses and activites at our community hub in Dalby Forest. CTC teamed up with PACE and the Forestry Commission to offer visitors an inspiring day of both MTB and road cycling.
Cyclists in Dalby Forest

Around 1000 visitors flocked to the Dalby Open Day.  Many families came to experience a great day of cycling on traffic-free routes; others had come to ride the trails for Dalby 13 a demo day where visitors could try out new 2013 style bikes and kit.

Visitors were allowed to test -ride the RC325.5 EXC mountain bike and try out the  ‘Dalby-proof’ brake pads. Qualified cycle technicians were on hand to give advice and fix and service bikes.

Therese Bjorn's picture

CTC web chat - your questions answered

By Therese Bjorn on 21 June 2012
CTC’s Chief Exec, Gordon Seabright, and other staff responded to your questions during a live web chat on 21 June. Questions were sent in through Twitter, Facebook and emails. Answers can be found below.

Thanks to all those who sent in questions. In some cases we've responded to you directly.

Among those answering your questions were:

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Why not ride in the middle of the road?

By Greg Woodford on 10 May 2012
The Daily Mail asked "Is this the dumbest cycle lane in Britain? Blundering workmen paint path in the MIDDLE of busy road". CTC's Greg Woodford explains why sometimes it is OK to cycle in the middle of the road.
A typical cycle lane

On 8 May 2012, The Daily Mail published an article condemning "blundering workmen have painted a cycle lane down the centre of a busy road - because cars were parked down the edge".

There was lots of discussion on CTC's Cycle instructors' Facebook page. Which got me thinking about the whole process of 'safe riding positions'.

Anna Cipullo's picture

Swindon's Over 50s training gets adults riding

By Anna Cipullo on 5 April 2012
Giving people in Swindon who never learned to cycle as children the chance to get pedalling

CTC Cycling Development Officer for Swindon Anna Cipullo explains how the scheme changes lives:

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  • Patron: Her Majesty The Queen
  • President: Jon Snow
  • Chief Executive: Gordon Seabright
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