Getting started

If you’re raring to go but unsure where to start, let us signpost you. We work with the local council, British Cycling, volunteers, cycle clubs and groups to make sure there is opportunity to cycle as much as possible. If you’ve got a bike and raring to get out and about, a good starting point is the Let’s Ride website where all the free rides in Swindon are listed. There are loads to choose from – take a look at https://www.letsride.co.uk

Haven’t got a bike?

No problem. Borrow a bike!
We would recommend trying out a bike before you commit to buying one – ask friends, neighbours or work colleagues if they can loan you one, or see whether your workplace has pool bikes that can be borrowed. However, make sure it’s a bike that suits your needs and is the right size for you, otherwise you could have a bad experience.

Buy a bike!
We appreciate that in these times the idea of saving some money and buying a bike from an online retailer or second hand from Gumtree or Ebay sounds like a good idea. However, we would ask you to consider the benefits of buying your bike from a reputable dealer face to face.

A list of bike shops in the Swindon area appears on our contacts page along with details of bike mechanics who can check a bike over if you do buy second hand.

You may also find the leaflet “The right bike for you” helpful. It describes the different sorts of bikes available on the market to help you decide what will suit your needs.

Bike needs mending?

Do it yourself!
Most people can learn to do basic bike repairs; pump up tyres, tighten brakes, mend a puncture. There’s a wealth of information online. You might also find the “basic bike maintenance” leaflet handy.

Get a free check
Look out for events – especially over the summer – offering free “Doctor Bike” checks. This is where a bike mechanic will do safety checks on your bike, and advise you on any specific issues you have. Sometimes they can repair the bike, depending on the severity of the problem, but be prepared to pay for any parts needed. You can find this service at charity bike rides, the repair cafes, Sustainability events (such as Eco Fest) and the Old Town Festival – check out the events calendar at Swindon Travel Choices.

If you live near Tadpole Garden Village, Roger bases himself at the Village Centre (on the green outside Sainsburys) and offers free bike checks and repairs most Monday afternoons between 2.30pm and 4.30pm.

Get a bike shop repair
If the repair is more serious, then it’s worth a bike shop doing it for you. Remember – bikes are so much cheaper to repair than cars!
A list of bike shops in the Swindon area appears on our contacts page along with details of mobile bike mechanics who can come to your home to check a bike over if you can’t get it to a shop.

Can’t ride a bike?

If you’ve never learnt to ride a bike, don’t worry – you can learn. And once you’ve learnt, it’s a skill that you never lose.

Training for beginners

For children
Across the UK the most popular form of cycle training today is Bikeability.  This is the Government recommended and funded cycle training scheme. Bikeability training is delivered in most primary schools in Swindon.  Read more about Bikeability in Swindon here.

If you want to start teaching your children to ride sooner, there’s a great online resource from British cycling. See https://readysetride.co.uk/ for details.

The Moredon Sporting Hub is family cycling sessions every Saturday morning, from 12 – 2pm, where you can practice your cycling skills as a family on the traffic free cycle track. Bikes and helmets are available to borrow on request. Its just £3 per child, with supporting adults going free. Pay at reception on arrival, or book at the Moredon Sporting Hub website.

Additionally, Lifecycle UK are holding both “Learn to Ride” and “Bikeability Level 3” holiday courses. See https://activities.lifecycle.org.uk/holiday-courses-swindon for dates and details.

For adults
If you’re thinking about dusting off that bike in the garage or buying a new one but are wary that you’re not ready for the road, the good news is that help is close to hand. Cycle training is available privately or through public courses.

The new Moredon Sporting Hub is offering weekly “Learn to cycle” sessions for women and girls, which can teach the basics or help you gain more confidence in a safe environment. From September 2024, there is also a Rusty Riders / Teen and adult (including men) learn to cycle session. See flyers below.

On road cycle training

Join a free on-road cycling course designed to give you the confidence to ride safely and confidently on local roads. You will learn about road positioning, turning, signalling and observation. It’s useful for anyone, no matter what your competence level is. All courses start from the County Ground Athletics Track and are led by an experienced Bikeability cycling instructor. Dates of future courses will be listed on the events section of the Swindon Travel Choices website.

Social bike rides

For the Over-60s, there’s a chance to get back on your bike, meet new friends and enjoy a “Pedal and pastries” session at the Moredon Sporting Hub. Every Wednesday from 10am – 12pm, you can have exclusive access to the track to get fit with new friends and socialise over coffee and a pastry.

It’s £8 per session, which includes the riding and the refreshments. No need to book, just pay at reception on the day.

Don’t know where to ride?

A comprehensive programme of free guided rides runs throughout the year in Swindon. The rides can vary in distance and ability. These include ladies only rides, and also events aimed at mums with children. Take a look at the local rides programme at www.letsride.co.uk

You can also get a range of maps covering the cycle paths all over Swindon on the Swindon Travel Choices website.