New Adult Cycling sessions launched for Merseyside residents – and they’re free!
With many Merseyside residents getting a taste for cycling recently, free adult cycle training is being offered in order to help local people build confidence and improve their skills.
Cycling has become the ‘new normal’ for lots of people. Merseyside Road Safety Partnership are working with BikeRight! and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to offer these courses as part of a package of measures aimed at improving safety in the region.
Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Jane Kennedy said: “It’s been great to see so many people taking up or reigniting their enthusiasm for cycling during lockdown. I hope it is the start of a change in our road culture which sees more people walking and cycling on a regular basis, while putting an end to the ‘car is king’ ethos which has permeated far too long.
“It is important that people who are choosing to cycle more often know how to do so safely. These free courses are a great opportunity for adults and children to hone their skills and to improve their confidence on two wheels. I would encourage people to take advantage of this free training and sign up today.”
Cycle Training for Everyone
Cycle training is also available for children aged 10+ who missed the training delivered in schools due to Coronavirus. Education initiatives are also planned for drivers including Safe Pass operations which are designed to encourage motorists to give more space when overtaking pedal cyclists.
Cllr Liam Robinson, transport portfolio holder for Liverpool City Region Combined Authority said: “For many years we’ve been one of the leading regions in the country for providing cycle safety training to young people so it’s fantastic to see this being extended to adults too.
“We’re kick-starting an active travel revolution here in the Liverpool City Region, putting millions of pounds into building, not only pop-up bike lanes, but also a 600km network of permanent cycle routes.
“But building confidence in cycling is just as important as building bike lanes and that’s why it’s so important that, working with partners BikeRight! and Merseyside Road Safety Partnership, we can help give cycling lessons to local people of all ages.”
Training Sessions
Courses will be accessible across Merseyside with the first sessions in Birkenhead & Liverpool. The courses are all run by qualified trainers, and are an ideal way to boost confidence in adults and children alike. BikeRight! Managing Director David Showell said: “With so many people turning to cycling for travel and health reasons, it’s great that the Combined Authority and MRSP have come together to offer this free training to the region’s residents and workforces.
“The cycle training sessions and the new cycle lanes across the area will be key in facilitating people’s access to employment, education and training across Merseyside as part of the Covid19 recovery plan.”
Courses for adults run on Saturdays for 2 hours and those for children aged 10 and over are from 9.00am until 3.00pm on weekdays.
Places fill up fast, but more dates will be added. Booking is online at https://www.bikeright.co.uk.
