There’s never been a better time to learn to cycle. There are so many benefits to learning to be a safer and more effective cyclist, but at this time being able to travel in a socially distanced way also minimises your risk of infection when you’re getting about London. We’ve got a range of cycling courses available for you and some news about other cycles schemes around the borough.
Bikeability is back
Islington Council has a programme of free Bikeability Level 2 courses for children in the October half term holiday. We’re running these courses in line with the latest Government Covid-19 guidance, so we are currently unable to lend helmets to participants.
Our Bikeability Level 2 are for children age 9-13 and they will learn how to ride safely and effectively using quiet local streets. We have a choice of venues in N4 and N1:
| Rosemary Gardens (age 9-13) | 26-29 October | 10.00-12.00 | Book here |
| Rosemary Gardens (age 9-13) | 26-29 October | 13.00-15.00 | Book here |
| Tollington Place (age 9-13) | 26-29 October | 10.00-12.00 | Book here |
| Tollington Place (age 9-13) | 26-29 October | 13.00-15.00 | Book here |
For further details, click here.
Adult 1:1 and Family Cycle Skills sessions
You can now book Family Cycle Skills and Adult 1:1 Cycle Skills sessions, which are run with a Covid-safe protocol.
Try Before You Bike
If you are thinking of starting cycling, you can try a bike for £20 per month. The Try Before You Bike scheme allows you to try a bike for a monthly fee. Just choose your new bike and accessories using the helpful online tools, the bike gets delivered and you will be given a free Cycle Skills session to get you started.
Hire an e-bike
Lime offers the opportunity to hire an e-bike in Islington via the Lime app.
Cycle Buddies
Cycle Islington, our local London Cycling Campaign group, are running a scheme to support inexperienced cyclists.
Cycle Buddies puts new riders in touch with experienced riders in their local area. Cycle Buddies can meet up and ride together – to work, to the shops or just to the park for some practice. And if you are a confident cyclist, you can sign up too, to help others experience the joy and freedom of getting about by bike.
To find out more and sign up, go to Islington Cycle Buddies.
People-Friendly Streets
You many have noticed some changes to your local area. As part of our pandemic response, Islington Council has accelerated the roll out of Low-Traffic Neighbourhoods, School Streets and cycle routes, such as Cycleway 38 that runs along Liverpool Road. You can read more about these schemes here.
Islington Cycling Club youth programme
There are weekly cycle coaching sessions for 8-15 year olds in Finsbury Park on Saturdays from 10am-12pm. The sessions are run by experienced British Cycling coaches, who offer a range of activities (from cyclocross and time trialling to road racing) in a safe and enjoyable environment. The emphasis of our coaching is on enjoying our sport. Whatever ambitions a young rider has, whether that’s competing at events or simply to have fun cycling, our coaches will accommodate them and work towards their goals. Details here.