ABOUT CYCLING
We promote cycling as an effective form of transport for all ages. Cycling is for everyone, whatever their level of ability or mobility. We train to increase people's skills and confidence, not to impose restrictions. Our road training takes place on real roads in real conditions. We like to demonstrate to parents that cycling safely on road is perfectly possible for their children. When people want to make specific journeys we take them through these journeys.
On road cycling:
Assertive road positioning and behaviour are the key to safe cycling. We teach people to use as much road space as they need to travel safely and effectively. We do not believe that cycle lanes are a requirement for safe cycling, but encourage construction of cycle paths and wide cycle lanes on busy routes, as nobody enjoys cycling in heavy traffic. In an ideal world, where heavy traffic has taken over a local road completely, a direct alternative route or cycle path should be in place (as is common practice in countries like The Netherlands and Denmark and parts of Germany, Belgium and Sweden).
Simplicity:
To cycle all you need is a bike. We help and advise people who want to improve their cycling equipment but we recognise that overstating the importance of the many accessories available can put people off. You do not need special clothes to cycle! We neither promote nor discourage the use of personal protective equipment for cyclists and we endorse the policy of the European Cyclists' Federation that adults should be allowed to make an informed choice whether or not to wear a helmet.
Sustainability:
In the future we anticipate that more people in the UK will cycle more often, there will be more public acceptance of cycling and conditions for cyclists will improve. The ideas and practices we teach are sustainable and lead towards such a society. If only every driver chose to ride a bicycle instead of using a car on journeys shorter than 2 miles the devastating effects of global warming would be slowed down considerably!
Cycling is an excellent cardio-vascular activity which means that it gets the heart pumping and the blood flowing. People who regularly cycle (even if only a couple of miles a week) are more fit then people who don't. Cycling is a low-impact activity without sudden jolts for knees and hips to deal with. Fat-burning is also easily done, especially when taking a couple of hills! The most underestimated health benefit of cycling is the positive effect on one's mental well-being. A bike ride refreshes mind and soul in a way very few other activities can!