Cycle for Health Shropshire
Cycle for Health Shropshire is designed to help people of all ages to start cycling or to cycle more regularly to gain fantastic health benefits. This page explains how you can get help and take part.
This includes helping people get back on a bike and developing and supporting led cycle ride programmes which offer the opportunity to take part in safe, sociable rides. Short bicycle rides are a great way to start being active and healthy. Most people can cycle with the right help and support and it’s free!
Try a bike taster session and assessments
This provides the opportunity to try a comfortable all purpose loan bike (or to bring their own). Choosing a safe place such as a quiet car park, we can assess riding ability in a supportive way and discuss follow on opportunities including further cycle training and joining a supported cycle ride.
Adapted bikes and trikes could also be made available on request.
Learn to ride and cycle confident support
Cycle trainers and volunteers can provide follow on sessions teaching how to cycle with confidence either on an individual basis or in small groups. Training can be given in how to cycle on trafficked roads. Again a loan bike can be provided if this helps.
Led cycle rides
These provide small groups with a stress free cycle ride led by trained cycle ride leaders and volunteers. Cycle rides will be graded and carefully chosen to suit the group and individual’s level of fitness and the geography of the area.
♥ Easy riders – ideal for the beginner. Very gently paced, few or no gradients, use of cycle paths and off road routes, 30 to 60 minutes.
♥♥ Easy to moderate – some gradients, and/or lightly trafficked roads, 30 to 60 minutes.
♥♥♥ Moderate – some gradients and/or some trafficked roads. Longer duration of 1 to 2 hours so should have a reasonable level of fitness.
We don’t want to put anyone off with cycle rides that are too challenging – though we can signpost riders where to find longer and/or faster rides should they feel inspired and want to do more once their fitness has improved.
What do people need?
A roadworthy bike would be great. We are happy to provide free bike safety checks. For those without a bike, we can provide a bike or possibly an adapted bike. Everyday outdoor clothing is just fine. We do advise that riders wear a helmet which we can also provide. Free hi-visibility jackets for all taking part.
Setting up a cycle for health initiative
Travel Shropshire can help medical practices (and their patient partnership groups), community organisations, local residents and professionals set up tailored Cycle for Health programmes in their local area by providing:
- Kick start activities as described above
- Training, support and advice for local volunteers
- Publicity (through Travel Shropshire website, posters etc)
- Public liability insurance for trained volunteer cycle ride leaders
- Networking opportunities
- Updates and information about Cycle for Health Shropshire
- Standard forms including route risk assessment and evaluation
Volunteering
Travel Shropshire needs local people with an interest in cycling to volunteer to help deliver the Try a Bike taster sessions and Led Cycle Rides. Commitment can be flexible and free Ride Leader training is available. We hold Cycle Ride Leader Training - one day courses throughout the year.
Benefits of cycling
New health guidelines say adults should do a minimum of 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise such as cycling. Cycling is a great way to build activity into a daily routine: short journeys by bike instead of the car benefit health as well as the purse! Amongst the proven benefits of cycling are increased fitness, lower risk of heart disease, weight management and reducing stress levels.
How do I find out more and get involved?
Please contact the Sustainable Transport Project Team
Ray Hughes - Cycling for Health development 01743 254945
Emma Bullard - Cycling for Health development 01743 254940
Email: transport@shropshire.gov.uk