Reaching for our bikes
With the British Summer soon upon us, a great number of recreational East Anglian cyclists will soon be reaching for their bicycles in order to enjoy the weather. For others, mindful of the cost of fuel, this has already happened.
But – let’s face it – not all cyclists are good cyclists. Memories of the old Cycling Proficiency Tests are fading. And wear and tear means that the bikes and their riders are not always in top condition.
In Norfolk
Let’s be glad that Cycling UK has brought its Big Bike Revival to Norfolk! If you’re a would-be cyclist, they can fix your bike, teach you essential skills and lead you on rides.
The Big Bike Revival will support new and returning cyclists across England through a programme of free events delivered locally by community led groups and not-for-profit organisations.
You can turn up with your bike at an event and receive a basic service, so the machine is safe to ride. You can go to one of their maintenance workshops and learn essential skills for the repair of your own bike. You can have cycling lessons from them – learn how to ride a bike from beginner level upwards. Or you can join a led bike ride to increase your cycle confidence.
One such event is planned to take place in Great Yarmouth, with My Bike Repair CIC as the approved delivery partner.
In England
The programme is running across England from May to October, with activities tailored to what each location needs to really help local people cycle more.
Cycling UK estimates that one in three people in the UK either own or have access to a bike, and through its Big Bike Revival the charity hopes to get more people cycling more often.
Sarah Mitchell, Cycling UK’s Chief Executive said:
“As the Big Bike Revival kicks off for 2022 after seven successful years, we are focusing on teaching essential cycle skills and improving people’s cycle confidence. Our events this year will deliver fun, social and inclusive activities and services to inspire people new or fairly new to cycling.
“At Cycling UK, we know that many people all over England want to start cycling more but there is often something stopping them from taking those first steps. Our Big Bike Revival experts can help them to get over these perceived barriers and our network of fantastic community cycle clubs can help people make lasting changes to their travel habits.”
The project is made possible thanks to a £2 million funding package from the Department for Transport, which recognises the transformational impact the scheme has on people’s lives.
