Join Islington’s free cycling revolution this autumn

This autumn, Islington Council is helping hundreds of people young and old to either learn to cycle for the first time or improve their skills, with a host of free courses and rides.

Cllr Claudia Webbe, executive member for environment and transport, said: “Cycling is a healthy, fun, environmentally-friendly and social activity suitable for all ages.

"Now is a great time to take it up - whether you’re an absolute beginner or not. Lessons, training and social riding sessions are available to all, and there is a strong local cycling club too.”

For children learning to ride and improving, Islington Council is offering a full programme of free cycling courses during the autumn half term for those aged between five and 12, the top level giving them the skills to ride safely on the road.

The council recently received £12,600 from TfL to deliver cycle training to an extra 226 primary school pupils this year, and £5,000 to train more advanced skills to 144 secondary school pupils.

There are also free courses, including weekend courses, available for adults of all abilities, and family courses too.

For those confident on two wheels, free group rides organised by Islington By Bike take place every month, suitable for adults and children and led by an experienced instructor.

A free 10-mile Sky Ride, at an easy pace, has also been organised in Islington for 26 October. Or you could join the 425 members of the award-winning Islington Cycling Club, which runs eight weekly rides with local start points.

To keep you on the road we also run popular bike maintenance classes, which are quickly booked up. There are, however, free bike repair classes and workshops held every Wednesday at 1 Rochester Square, NW1 9RZ.

For details of all the above and to book free sessions, see www.islington.gov.uk/cycletraining.