Group cycling courses
Start your journey - or return to cycling - with our cycling courses for adults
Various dates
Free
What’s it all about?
New to cycling or haven’t cycled in a while? Build skills and confidence in a fun and non-judgmental group. Our fully-qualified cycling instructors can help with anything from basic bike skills and road awareness to route planning and bike buying advice.
What courses are on offer?
We offer three types of cycling courses:
- Adult Beginners
- Adult Returners
- Women-only (beginners and returners)
How it works
All our courses take place once a week, for a two-hour session, for four consecutive weeks from the advertised start date. We can lend you a bike - just let us know when you book.
Prices
We’re currently offering these courses free of charge, thanks to Sport England funding provided by The National Lottery.
Unwaged: Free
Book a course
Please contact us for bookings and enquiries.
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Further information
Adult Beginners
Our Adult Beginners Course is ideal for people who have never cycled before and would like to start their cycling journey. You will be given plenty of time and space to practice basic cycling skills, and gradually progress to cycling on quiet roads.
What we cover
- Cycle skills
- The chance to learn some basic bike maintenance
- The opportunity to progress onto the Adult Returners Course
- We may be able to help you choose and buy an affordable bike
Adult Returners
Feeling a bit rusty on the bike? This course is aimed at people who haven’t cycled in a while and would like to rebuild skills and confidence. You’ll start by practicing off-road, progressing gradually onto quiet roads. At the end, you’ll enjoy a gentle supported ride on Bristol’s cycle network.
What we cover
- Cycle skills
- Road awareness skills
- The chance to learn some basic bike maintenance
- Support with further training - our ride the route sessions can help you feel confident to cycle your commute or to the shops
- The opportunity to progress on to our Supported Rides
- We may be able to help you choose and buy an affordable bike
Women-only courses
Our courses take place in a safe and friendly environment where everyone can enjoy cycling. We welcome trans and cis women of all ethnicities. Non-binary people who may feel more comfortable in a women-only space are also welcome to join.
What do I need to bring?
If you’re not using one of our loan bikes, then your bike needs to be roadworthy. Bring suitable clothing for the weather that day. On cold days gloves are recommended. On warmer days, bring water, sunglasses and a visor or hat. If you would like to borrow a helmet, let us know two weeks before your course and we can lend you one. Email: cycle-courses@lifecycle.org.uk
Don't have a bike?
You can borrow one of our loan bikes for the course, please let us know when you make your booking.
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More info and FAQs
More questions? Check below for more information.
Do I need to wear a helmet?
Wearing a helmet is not a legal requirement in the UK so we advise you to do whatever makes you feel comfortable.
What if I have health or access needs?
We believe almost anyone can cycle with the right support. Please make us aware of any health or access needs you have when booking. We’ll only share information with your activity leader if necessary for your well-being or safety.
Always bring any medication you need with you and make us aware of this (and any relevant health issues) at the start of the activity.
Cancellations and refunds
To find out about our cancellation and refund policies, read our full terms and conditions.
What others say
"I hadn't ridden my bike for years. My confidence wasn't good. Now I feel absolutely great. I feel getting back on the bike has been my greatest achievement this year".
“The course was really great. They provide a bike completely free. When you see people around you, who are just like you, trying to learn – then you know you can do it too!”