Free cycling lessons on offer as more Trafford adults get on two wheels

More adults in Trafford are learning to cycle for the first time, with free tuition now available through Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) for anyone aged 12 and over who wants to build confidence on two wheels.

Trafford Council says it’s working with local partners to make walking, wheeling and cycling safer and easier across the borough, with improvements to local roads and cycle routes underway. The push comes as Road Safety Week highlights the importance of safe, active travel.

Sessions for complete beginners, as well as intermediate one-to-one lessons and basic cycle maintenance classes, are taking place at several locations across Greater Manchester. The aim is to help people gain the skills they need to ride safely on busier routes and feel more at home on their bikes.

Since January, 283 Trafford residents have taken part in the scheme — 261 in group sessions and 22 through one-to-one support.

Cycling instructor Paul Pryce said, “We’re meeting more adults who didn’t learn to ride a bike when they were younger. Some adults can master the basics in one hour-long session, and some might need two or more.

“Sometimes an upcoming holiday involving bike hire is an impetus for people to learn. Sometimes it is parents or carers who want to be able to ride with their children.”

Fellow instructor Richard Alderson added, “Seeing the look of joy on people’s faces when they get going on two wheels for the first time is fantastic for us. Even if it is pouring with rain, as can happen on our sessions, they are so excited and happy.”

Cllr Aidan Williams, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Climate Change, said the scheme supports the borough’s wider ambitions for more active travel, “As a Council we want to encourage as many people as possible to choose active travel, whether that is walking, wheeling or cycling, and we work hard to improve road and cycleways to make travelling by bike safer and more enticing.

“For anyone who is new to cycling or unsure on two wheels, or wants to learn how to look after their bicycle, Transport for Greater Manchester’s free courses are fantastic and can set people up for many years of happy cycling that will benefit their own health and wellbeing as well as the environment.”

Anyone interested can sign up at the Bee Network website. Participants aged 12-16 must attend with an accompanying adult.