Since Life Cycle started in 1999 we have been working tirelessly to help more people get cycling. At the heart of all our work is a commitment to teaching cycle skills and confidence in a supportive way - proving that almost anyone can get on a bike, if given the right support. More recently we have started to explore the potential power of using electric bikes (known as e-bikes) to engage even greater numbers of people in cycling.
Teaming up
**For those wishing to find out more about our latest apprenticeship, please email training@lifecycleuk.org.uk or call 0117 353 4580**
September will be our final month with our fantastic apprentice, Joe. Over the past year he has completely immersed himself in the Life Cycle world, learned a wealth of skills and has been a hardworking and helpful member of the team. So, what is it like being a Life Cycle apprentice? We caught up with Joe to find out.
Surely we all have the right to breathe clean air? It is likely most of us take it for granted. Worryingly Bristol, like many other urban areas, is grappling with the problem of poor air quality: Levels of pollutants in central areas frequently exceed national and European guidelines. The fact that there is no ‘safe limit’ for some pollutants means Bristol’s levels far exceed what is safe for human health.
You’ve probably heard of our popular ‘Beginners’ and ‘Improvers’ cycle mechanics courses. They’re a great way to get into maintaining your bike and saving trips to the bike shop. But what happens once you’ve been bitten by the ‘bike mechanics bug’? Luckily, Life Cycle also offers City & Guilds cycle mechanics qualifications, so you can keep feeding the bike-geek in you. We know how addictive it is once you get started!
People are often surprised to discover just how many cycle routes crisscross Bristol – and lead out to the countryside in no time at all. Once these hidden gems are unearthed, the potential for bike adventures to greener spaces becomes clear. South Bristol has a reputation for being disconnected from the rest of the city – yet it is the doorway to beautiful countryside and fantastic cycle routes. We felt it was time to lead the way out of the centre and into South Bristol…
Bike Back Derby has a new mechanic! We are happy to welcome Nick to the team and are excited about what he can bring to the role of Bike Back mechanic. Nick has also taken on the teaching role for the enrichment programme at Derby College, the students think he’s great too! We now have 23 students who have completed the course and are eager to get the next batch started on their bikes.
Thanks to new funding we have extended our ‘Cycle Buddies’ scheme, and this summer we’re inviting you to join in.
To help create the next generation of confident, responsible cyclists, Life Cycle provides cycle training in schools - known as Bikeability. Our expert instructors work across Bristol and North Somerset, teaching children the skills to become road aware and cycle-savvy.
Spring is bringing out the cyclist in Derby and we are getting busy down at the workshop. We have some handy new volunteers who have been helping us with the bikes and getting the finishing touches put on the shiny new look workshop. The peas are coming up in the widow boxes and we are all gearing up to make the most of the fine weather.
As summer approaches, people are digging their bikes out of the garage, or thinking about giving their cycle a good, post-winter service. With a string of bike maintenance course dates just announced, we caught up with our star mechanic, Polly Stubley, about her experiences of teaching people the nuts and bolts of bike mechanics:
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