the low down

Guide Dogs and Tandems

Our “Two’s Company” project organises joyful days out riding tandems for visually impaired adults and children. We are so lucky to have a team of dedicated volunteers who ride at the front so that our visually impaired riders can enjoy liberating, life-enhancing experiences on two wheels.

So how do you become a Two’s Company volunteer?

Our volunteers are sociable, friendly, keen cyclists - and want to give something back. We offer full training to anyone who joins our volunteer team – and that’s where the Guide Dogs come in!

The other side of the gate: Jimmy’s story

Jimmy had been in prison for 3 years. He had committed a non-violent crime and had been given ‘D Category’ status and transferred to HMP/YOI Sudbury, a resettlement prison. Sharon, HMP Sudbury’s Business & Community Engagement Manager, told him about the opportunity to volunteer for Life Cycle Derby under the Ministry of Justice’s ‘Release on Temporary License’ scheme*.

Remember me on a bike for two

Presenting the newest addition to the ‘Two’s Company’ tandem fleet: Paul’s Silver Sparkler.

Two’s Company provides joyful, liberating days out riding tandems for visually impaired people. Robin, Two’s Company's coordinator, explains how the pride of the fleet came to be part of the project…

Making City & Guilds accessible for all

Our City & Guilds Level 1 cycle mechanics course is open to anyone who wants to learn about bike mechanics. If you’re seeking employment, or on a low income it’s free. Bryan (name changed) came on the course and thrived. In fact, he loved it so much he went on to do Level 2! Here’s what he had to say about his journey:

Returning to cycling

As our six-week 'Returning to Cycling' programme draws to a close, Bike Minded coordinator, Patrick Tumilty, reflects on a successful start to the New Year...

When Christmas’ festivities are over, many of us choose the New Year to try something new. This may mean sashaying to a Samba class or signing up for French lessons. January can signal the perfect time to train for your first 5km run or give you the resolve to reduce your meat intake.

Achieving excellence with City & Guilds

As cycle maintenance courses go, City & Guilds Level 2 is the ‘Daddy’: It’s the industry standard qualification for professional mechanics, and it’s perfect for the dedicated home mechanic who wants to be able to fully strip down and rebuild a bicycle.

What I talk about when I talk about cycle training

Reporting back

At the beginning of January, Life Cycle's Communications Officer decided to “go back to school” and booked herself some cycle skills tuition with a Life Cycle instructor. Here is her report back on the experience...

Opinion: Why I’m swallowing my pride and going back to school

Life Cycle’s Communications Officer, Becky, tells us why she’s finally taking the plunge and booking some free, 1:1 cycle skills tuition.

Happy New Year! Nowadays I don’t normally ‘do’ New Year’s resolutions (tellingly, they have stayed the same every year). But here we are at the dawn of 2019 and I’ve decided to practice what I’ve been preaching since I started at Life Cycle:

Love cycling? Pass in on!

Has the New Year got you reflecting on your career prospects? Those looking for rewarding part-time work have a fantastic opportunity to re-train and start a career in cycling with Life Cycle. If you want to be more active, love working outdoors and want to pass on skills, confidence and independence, then why not train with us?

Help us celebrate our 20th anniversary!

Life Cycle was founded in September 1999, meaning that 2019 will be our 20th anniversary year! In order to celebrate 20 fantastic years of transforming lives through cycling, we will be organising a series of events and activities in 2019 - to showcase our work; thank our supporters, staff and volunteers; and promote our activities to new audiences.