Riding with us

Finding events

To discover new or existing events, you can browse by Type or Location by going to Ride. Selecting event types will give you further information about what happens during these types of sessions and the organisers who have created them. We work hard to find new events but if you think there’s something we’re missing then please get in touch.

Event Types

We’re all on different stages of our cycle training journey so we’ve grouped together events to make it easier to find what you need. Sessions range from beginners with Learn to Ride/ Balance and Schools to improvers such as Bikeability and Workplace to more social such as Clubs and Community/ Charity. More specialised training is also available through Inclusive.

• Learn to Ride/ Balance

The start of every rider’s journey. Traditionally, this is where people have thought cycling instructors can have the biggest impact or alternatively, a parent is responsible for teaching their own children. However, both these are not true. Learn to Ride sessions are normally organised for children between the ages of 4-8 because this is the age that most people learn. But times are changing and the opportunities that children have had in the past are dependent on so many factors including bike ownership and attitude towards cycling. By all means, parents can teach their own children if they have the time and space but if they don’t succeed then is that the one chance gone? 

Cycling instructors offer a solution because they are trained to assess riders and provide opportunities for people to learn when they’re ready. Many adults attend learn to ride events and the process is exactly the same. Learn to ride can also be called Balance because that’s the skill that’s being taught and practiced during the session. If someone struggles due to an impairment then a more individualised approach can be taken during an Inclusive event.

• Schools

Time to continue myth busting as people most commonly associate the school playground as the only learning environment for cycle training. There are many factors that make it a great place to learn as playgrounds tend to be hard, flat and traffic-free but that doesn’t mean you have to learn there. 

Schools are great places to deliver cycle training because they foster a productive atmosphere for learning and development which is why they’re so popular for after-school cycle clubs, PE and Bikeability. Cycling instructors working with schools can provide bespoke sessions that suit the needs of their pupils, staff and parents by listening to their requirements and working around their schedule. 

• Bikeability

Bikeability is the cycle training programme funded by the UK Government and managed by a charity called the Bikeability Trust. There is plenty of information available from their own website about this programme.

In the past, this has been the only option available as it aims for children and adults to develop skills to ride confidently on the road so it is most commonly associated with the public’s perception of cycle training. However, you should find out whether this is the type of training that’s right for you and attend other types of events to learn new things.

• Workplace

Like schools, workplaces are ideal places to develop further skills and gain confidence as cycling to work is one of the best applications of cycle training. There are schemes such as Cycle to Work that make it more affordable to buy bikes and equipment which is an excellent start. Cycling instructors are able to offer employers cycle training as an employee benefit to further encourage more staff members to have the option to cycle to work or as a social, teambuilding activity. 

• Clubs

Cycling clubs have been around for a long time as people love to meet up with others of similar interests and hang out. What isn’t full appreciated is how clubs can boost confidence and develop useful skills like riding as a group so even social rides can be included as part of cycle training. Social cycling and peer learning are fundamental to the future of cycle training and need recognition.

• Community

Events organised by local businesses, community groups and charities are also part of the cycle training experience. Not only are they enjoyable but also provide an opportunity to put skills gained in other sessions into practice. Mass participation events such as Ride London aren’t normally thought of as cycle training but that’s likely saying your local Parkrun isn’t exercise! There’s lots to learn from cycling with others.

• Inclusive

All cycle training is inclusive in its delivery but sometimes you need a little extra help to achieve your goals. If you’re a wheelchair user, have issues with mobility or how you communicate and process information then there are sessions that are specifically designed to help overcome the barriers you face. There are organisers with adaptive equipment and work with instructors who’ve undergone extensive training to understand your needs and plan sessions accordingly. 

Cycle training can also be inclusive in other ways. There are events that are organised for people with no/ low income, different cultural or religious backgrounds or those who struggle with mental health issues like anxiety or depression. 

We endeavour to ensure we work with organisers and instructors who understand diversity and equality so if you’re unsure whether an event is right for you then please contact them first. If you feel like your need isn’t being met reach out to us and we’ll do our best to help.

How to RSVP

Showing interest is a great to find out how many people are interested in attending the event. It’s not the same as signing up but it gives you and the organiser a way of knowing how many people like it. You can only show interest in upcoming events and you can see what you’ve added in your Feed. The only way of knowing who else is going is when you register and turn up- this information is between you and the organiser!

Signing up to a newsletter

The best way to find the latest events is to sign up to a personalised newsletter. Each Event Type and Location has it’s own newsletter and to receive it you can either sign up on the page or adjust your preferences through Settings.

Registering for an event

Some events require registration before you attend. To sign up for an event, when you RSVP you’ll see a link that takes you directly to the registration page. If you’re unsure or think a link is missing then please contact the organiser directly and they’ll be happy to help.

Attending your first event

Before you arrive, it’s important to read the information from the organiser carefully. Most organisers will require you to register your details with them if there are limited places but some you’ll just turn up to. It’s worth checking whether cycles and helmets are provided and if you need to bring anything else with you like a water bottle. Finally, before you go, find out if the session is funded. This will usually be part of the registration process but there are some types of cycle training like Bikeability where it’s covered.

Quick checklist:

1. Registration
2. Cycle
3. Helmet
4. Water
5. Payment

When you arrive, the session could be delivered by a cycling instructor. Finding them and letting them know it’s your first event can be a good way to start. If it’s a social ride without someone in charge then just introducing yourself to another rider can help break the ice and if they can’t answer any questions you have then they should be able to point you in the direction of someone who can. The most important part to remember is to have fun and be open to learning new things! After the event, if you have any feedback then get in touch with the organiser and adjust your preferences by going to Settings to get information about similar events in the future.