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Training

cycle training leafletMost people would benefit from cycle training no matter what their age or ability.
Perhaps you haven't have ridden a bike for a while and need some encouragement, maybe you've never cycled or perhaps you're a regular cyclist who'd like to develop their skills further.
 
We offer a wide range of cycle training opportunities to suit cyclist of all ages and abilities from complete beginners to confident cyclists looking to increase their skills and experience.
 
Below you will find a list of the options available but if you're in doubt then please just give us a call on 01524 582392 / 582616 or email us at celebratingcycling@lancaster.gov.uk to discuss your requirements.
 
*Download a copy of our latest cycling leaflet: Cycle Training 2009 (pdf)
 
 

Cycle Maintenance Training

bike maintenance on Morecambe promCan you ride a bike but can’t fix a puncture?
Unsure about how gears work?
 
Then why not come along to one of Pedal Power’s maintenance classes to help you get the most out of your bike.
Courses are offered at the following levels:
Introduction to Maintenance (M1) lubrication, brake pads, gears, punctures
Basic Maintenance (M2) basic rebuilding, fitting brake & gear wires, indexing
Advanced Maintenance (M3) wheel truing, headsets, hubs, bottom brackets
Courses usually start at 10am on Saturdays at Pedal Power HQ, Ridge Square and last around 2 1/2 hours.
Dates for 2010:
  • Saturday 30th January: M1 (Beginners) Women Only
  • Saturday 27th February: M1 (Beginners) Mixed
  • Saturday 27th March: M2 (Intermediate) Women Only
  • Saturday 24th April: M2 (Intermediate) Mixed
  • Saturday 29th May: tbc - in Market Square, Lancaster - part of the celebrating Cycling in the City event
  • Saturday 26th June: M1 (Beginners) Women Only
  • NEW Saturday 24th July: M2 (Intermediate) Women only - am
  • NEW Saturday 24th July: M3 (Advanced) Women only - pm
  • Saturday 31st July: M2 (Intermediate) Family
  • NEW Saturday 21st August: M1 (Beginners) Mixed - am
  • NEW Saturday 21st August: M3 (Advanced) Mixed - pm
  • Saturday 28th August: M2 (Intermediate) Mixed
  • Saturday 25th September: M2 (Intermediate) Women Only
See also Saturday Surgeries on the Bike Maintenance page
 
 
 

1-2-1 Training

Do you want to lose weight and get healthy..?
Do you think you would benefit from personal rather than group training..?
Lacking in confidence..?
 
We have a number of fully qualified national standard instructors serving the Lancaster district who can teach all levels from basic skills to advanced on-road cycling.
 
Cycle training is for everyone not just complete beginners, although we do offer training at this level. Our instructors can help give you the skills and confidence needed to cycle in whatever environment you choose be it on busy roads or traffic free paths.
"This is an excellent facility for new or returning bikers. Keith was very professional and he gave me some useful guidance which will improve my performance and make me a safer rider. I was particularly impressed with how quickly the session was organised from my initial request. Thank you once again."
Get in touch today and we'll ask one of instructors to call to arrange a convenient location, date and time for your training.
 
First 2 hours free* - call us on 01524 582392 / 582616 to arrange your session!
* Further sessions (at a cost) to be discussed with us/your instructor. Free for Lancaster district residents only -
if you are not a Lancaster district resident please call /email to discuss
 
 
 

Workplace / Group Training

On site training for workplaces, community groups etc. Sessions will last 1 - 2 hours and will be tailored to suit your needs.
 
Workplaces that have taken advantage of this training include Lancaster & Morecambe College, Connexions Lancashire, North Lancashire Primary Care Trust and Lancaster University.
 
In 2008 we began offering advanced cycle training (level 3) to Lancashire Police and to date over 20 police officers and community support workers have taken advantage of this training.... read more here.
“I thought the training was excellent. The format was right and I enjoyed the day. They managed to impart both knowledge and skills which made me, after a long time not riding a bike, feel confident enough to take to the road again”
“I’ve been cycling for over 40 years and consider myself to be an experienced cyclist, but I enjoyed the cycle training: I picked up quite a few tips and had some bad habits pointed out to me.”
We can also arrange small group training for women only groups, friends etc. We also occasionally organise group sessions for members of the public. To register your interest in future group sessions please get in touch.
 
See Women on Wheels page for information on women only group training.
 
For further information please contact us 01524 582392/582616 or email celebratingcycling@lancaster.gov.uk
 
 
 

Take the ‘Buts’ out of cycling with Bike Buddy

bike buddy flyerEver thought about cycling to work but lack confidence?
Need a little support in getting started?
Unsure of the best route to take?
 
If so, then the Bike Buddy Scheme could be right up your street!

The Bike Buddy Scheme is a FREE service for local residents helping new and returning cyclists to get to grips with cycling by helping them to find a suitable route from their home to work.

The Bike Buddies are all experienced cyclists with a local good knowledge and able to map out the most suitable route for any required journey, whether it be to work, the supermarket or health centre. Buddies will also able to give information on the local cycle network, to give tips on riding safely in traffic, varying environments and weather conditions and offer advice on equipment, accessories and basic bike maintenance.
 
 
“The bike buddy service was fantastic, I cannot sing it’s praises enough. I contacted them as a nervous cyclist who hadn’t ridden for over ten years, and ended up feeling so confident about riding that a month on, I’ve decided to sell my car and use the bike as my main mode of transport. My buddy was informative, skilled, friendly, and very patient. Together we found a comfortable route from my house to work, and travelled there and back so I knew exactly what to look out for on the way. I really would recommend this service to anyone.” - Katy Thorpe
 
 

Child Cycle Training

Through the Celebrating Cycling project cycle training to the National Standard is being offered for all pupils in years 5, 6 and 7 in the Bike It schools. This training ensures that pupils are confident on the roads.
 
These schools are the first in Lancashire to take part in Bikeability - 'cycling proficiency for the 21st century'. Bikeability is a brand new cycling award scheme which before long will have thousands of children whizzing about on their bikes and pedalling their way to success.
Visit www.bikeability.org.uk for more information or click here
 
During the school holidays we offer child cycle skills sessions through Lancaster City Council's Holiday Activity Programme. For more information visit our What's On pages. As part of this programme we offer our popular Learn to Cycle sessions. These are aimed at children aged 4 yrs upwards who cannot yet cycle for more information click here.
 
Thanks to an additional grant from the DfT we are now able to offer Bikeability to all local schools. Please call 01524 582392 or email celebratingcycling@lancaster.gov.uk to find out more.
 
!Over 1680 children have now taken part in Bikeability locally (July 2010)

 

Becoming an Instructor

To become an accredited instructor you must undertake the National Standard training. This training is only provided at approved instructor training centres (approved by the CTC as the national accreditation body for cycle training in the UK). The course is four days long, and within six months of completion of the course two further assessments of the trainee instructor actually working.
 
Click here for more information on instructor training plus a list of accredited providers.
 
For enquiries about any aspect of cycle training or wider cycling issues please contact the National Cycle Training Helpline on:
Tel: 0870 607 0415 (office hours)