More adults in Trafford are trying cycling for the first time – and free training sessions are available from Transport for Greater Manchester for anyone over 12 years old who is new to two wheels.
Trafford Council and partners are working to make walking, wheeling and cycling safer, easier and more inviting on our roads and cycleways.
And more older children and adults than ever are learning to ride, to take up these opportunities, thanks to sessions on offer at several locations in Greater Manchester.
The invitation to sign up via the Bee Network website’s section on cycle training comes during Road Safety Week.
Cycle maintenance and one-to-one intermediate sessions are also available to help people build skills and confidence around busier road riding.
Since January this year, the scheme has helped 283 Trafford residents learn to ride or maintain their bicycle, 261 in group sessions and 22 on a one-to-one basis.
Cycling instructor Paul Pryce said:
“We’re meeting more adults who didn’t learn to ride a bike when they were younger. Some adults can master the basics in one hour-long session, and some might need two or more.
“Sometimes an upcoming holiday involving bike hire is an impetus for people to learn. Sometimes it is parents or carers who want to be able to ride with their children.”
Fellow cycling instructor Richard Alderson said:
“Seeing the look of joy on people’s faces when they get going on two wheels for the first time is fantastic for us. Even if it is pouring with rain, as can happen on our sessions, they are so excited and happy.”
Cllr Aidan Williams, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Climate Change said:
“As a Council we want to encourage as many people as possible to choose active travel, whether that is walking, wheeling or cycling, and we work hard to improve road and cycleways to make travelling by bike safer and more enticing.
“For anyone who is new to cycling or unsure on two wheels, or wants to learn how to look after their bicycle, Transport for Greater Manchester’s free courses are fantastic and can set people up for many years of happy cycling that will benefit their own health and wellbeing as well as the environment.”
Go to the Bee Network website’s section on cycle training to find out more. Participants aged 12 to 16 must be accompanied.