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 young children
If you want to start teaching your children to ride from a young age, there’s a great online resource from British cycling. See https://readysetride.co.uk/ for details.
Fox Cycling also run a variety of sessions in Swindon, including Cycle Tots (fun on balance bikes), CycleKids – one‑to‑one learn‑to‑cycle sessions for children ready to pedal, and Cycle Improvers – confidence‑building sessions for children who have recently learnt to ride. See their website for details – https://foxcycling.co.uk/
For older children (Primary School)
Across the UK, the most popular form of cycle training at school today is Bikeability. This is the Government recommended and funded cycle training scheme. Bikeability training is offered to all primary schools in Swindon for their Year 6 children. For more information on what is available, call the school. Our training provider is Life Cycle UK
(If your primary school is in Wiltshire then they are probably able to offer Bikeability training for Year 6. For more information on what is available call the school or speak to someone at Wiltshire Road Safety)
It’s fun and gives children the skills and confidence to cycle in modern road conditions just as these Highworth children found out on their Level 2 bikeability course.
About Bikeability
Level 1 teaches the basic, but necessary cycle control skills to ensure you can get on, pedal, balance, steer and stop your bike. It is generally done in a couple of hours on a site with no traffic (e.g a school playground).
Level 2 teaches the road skills necessary to ride on quiet low traffic condition roads. As you would expect it covers starting off, stopping, Right and Left Turns. Where applicable it will also include how to use cycle paths and cycle lanes crossroads and mini-roundabouts. On your course you will also learn how to check that your bike is safe, how to carry stuff safely on your bike and other stuff about lights and reflectors. You can expect a level 2 course to take between 6 and 8 hours. Typically a course will have 5 or 6 trainees to one instructor
Level 3 is there to equip cyclists to deal with any type of road that they are legally allowed to ride on. Generally you will work with an instructor on a 1:1 basis. With your help your instructor will assess your current level of ability. You will tell him about the real journeys you wish to make (ride to work, ride to the gym, ride to evening classes etc ) and then your instructor will explain and demonstrate how to negotiate the roads required. Typically you will ride these routes with the your instructor behind you helping you learn and gain the confidence you need to make these journeys on your own.
It is important to note that all Bikeability Instructors are keen regular cyclists who have been specially trained to deliver a National Standard of Cycle Training and to pass on their cycling experience to trainees.
To find out more about bikeability visit the Bikeability web site
Lifecycle regularly hold free courses – 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.
Moredon Sporting Hub is offering weekly “Learn to cycle” sessions for adults, which can teach the basics or help you gain more confidence in a safe environment.
Family cycling
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 £5.50 per child, with a supporting adult going free. Pay at reception on arrival, or book at the Moredon Sporting Hub website.
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 and guided bike rides
Once you’re ready to pedal a bit further, there are free guided rides to enjoy. From “ladies only” rides courtesy of the Breeze leaders, to “Ride Social” routes that are short, safe and around the local area. There are even more challenging road rides, and mountain bike rides. The rides are all listed in one place – www.letsride.co.uk
Don’t know where to ride?
Visit the Swindon Travel Choices website to download the Swindon Rounds Maps, or order a Swindon Cycle Map, or plan a journey on the journey planner. Why not take on the Orienteering challenge?
Swindon Cycle Campaign 