New Year’s revolutions

Cycle share schemes land in Islington

If you don’t have access to a bike in the borough and need to get somewhere quickly, you now have three different bike hire options. Anyone in the south of Islington can still access TfL’s Santander cycle hire, but there are also two brand-new dockless cycle share operators up and running.

Ofo and Mobike have distributed hundreds of their distinctive yellow and silver/orange bikes around Islington – and they’re just a tap on the app away from being unlocked. Both operators have released exclusive free codes just for this mailing list: for Ofo type in ofoCYCisl for 3 free rides (code valid until 15 February, and valid for 30 days once activated).  For Mobike use LBItraining2018 for 5 free rides (code valid from 18 Jan for 1 month and valid for 2 months after redeeming). There are instructions for use on the bikes.

Close up pf yellow Ofo hire bike with instructions for use on front basket

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Get your pedals turning in 2018 with a whole range of free activities from the Islington Bikeability and cycle skills team.

Carry on, Doctor
Our free monthly Dr Bikes continue into the New Year – in fact, we are now offering two sessions per month at different locations. Come to the Town Hall on the first Wednesday of every month, or Archway Square on the third Tuesday of every month. All sessions run 4pm-7pm, and you can view exact dates and locations here.

Our mechanics can check everything on your bike from wheels, brakes, gears and tyre pressure to lights, racks, pedals, saddles and more. Any minor adjustments we can make to your bike, we do there and then. If there is something we can’t fix, we’ll let you know exactly what needs doing and a rough guide to what it should cost to repair at a local bike shop.

A mechanic and a member of teh public work together to repair a bike outside the town hahh

BikeFix at Birchmore Hall
Want some advice on bike maintenance? Want to learn how to fix a puncture or adjust your brakes? We’re running monthly free drop-in sessions at Birchmore Hall (N5 2UA), where our expert mechanics can show you how your bike works, and teach you some useful skills to keep you riding. Please bring your bike and any tools you have. Your bike doesn’t even need to be broken, you are welcome to come along if you just want to learn something new. No need to book, just pop in.

Sessions run on these Sundays:

  • Sunday 11 February 2018, 10am-3pm
  • Sunday 11 March 2018, 10am-3pm

A mechanic adjusts brakes watched by trainees on a maintenance course

Plus all our usual courses
Islington Council has a programme of free Bikeability courses for children in the half term holiday. Choose from:

  • Beginners (age 5-12)for children who can’t yet ride without stabilisers
  • Bikeability Level 1 (age 5-9) – teaches bike control skills off road
  • Bikeability Level 2 (age 9-12) – get the skills to ride safely on road

They are taking place at venues in N4 and N1. For full details and to book, click here and search for ‘Children’s holiday Bikeability’.

Schoolboy on bike looks over his shoulder before setting off on a short on road bike trip watched by classmates and an instructor

Cycle skills for adults
If you’re a beginner (or an improver) and want to practice off-road to learn to ride a bike, you can do a free basic cycle skills group course. More advanced cyclists wanting to improve their on-road riding can book some individual cycle skills sessions.

Cycle skills for families

To learn how to ride together as a family, you can book family cycle skills sessions.

 

Happy cycling!

The Bikeability and cycle skills team