Half term Bikeability and fun ride
We have a programme of free Bikeability courses for children in the February half term holidays from Monday 13 February to Friday 17 February We have a choice of venues in N4 and N1:
- Beginners (age 5-12) – for children who can’t yet ride without stabilisers
- Bikeability Level 1 (age 5-9) – learn bike control skills off road
- Bikeability Level 2 (age 9-12) – learn how to ride on quiet local streets
A new feature for our Level 2 courses: As part of the Level 2 course, there is a Led Ride on Friday 17 February. Just arrive that day at the same venue you have attended that week at 1pm and the instructors will take you on a fun tour of the local area. The ride will finish at the start point at 3pm.
A Big Bike Ride for everyone else
This family-friendly ride will start and end at Highbury Crescent on Highbury Fields.
The Big Bike Ride will be marshalled by our experienced cycle trainers. Families are welcome and children must be at least 8 years old and accompanied by an adult.
Arrive at 9.30am for a rider briefing and bike checks. The ride will then start at 10am and finish at noon.
Places are limited and to take part you must book in advance. To book and get further details click here
Start 2023 with new skills
Urban and advanced cycle skills – 1:1 on-road sessions
If you live, work or study in Islington, why not book yourself a free adult cycle skills session and become a confident road cyclist. We can teach any level, provide you with a bike and meet you in a location and a time that suits you. Our adult 1:1 cycle skill sessions are kindly supported Human Forest. If you would like to learn more about learning to ride one of their eBikes, click here.
Basic cycle skills – group beginner training
If you are not yet able to cycle unaided you can join one of our adult beginner groups. Learning takes place in a supportive group environment. Book your place on our weekend adult weekend beginners’ weekend sessions at Haverstock Primary School, NW3.
- 18 and 19 February
- 18 and 19 March
We will teach you how to ride a bike in a safe, off-road environment with a qualified instructor. Once you feel comfortable to go on road, you can book onto our 1:1 urban and advanced cycle skills course. These sessions are for adults who are unable to cycle unaided.
Learn to fix your bike
Want some advice on bike maintenance? Want to learn how to fix a puncture or adjust your brakes? We’re running sessions at Birchmore Hall, Highbury Quadrant, N5 2UA. Our expert mechanics can show you how your bike works, and teach you some useful skills to keep you riding. Please bring your bike, if you have one, 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.
Sessions run at these times:
- Friday 17 February 2023 10am- noon
- Friday 17 February 2023 1pm-3pm
Click here to book.
Dr Bike is back
We are delighted to announce that Dr Bikes will be taking place on the first Tuesday of every month across the borough. Please check the Dr Bike page for dates and locations.
Wanted: pre-loved bikes
Did you get a new bike for Christmas? Do you have an old one which you’d like to donate to a good cause? Islington Council is looking for bikes (in any condition) to be used in our All About The Bike project. This scheme benefits Islington secondary school pupils, who gain a bike, lock and learn basic bike maintenance, as well as taking Bikeability Level 3 training. If you can help, please contact patrycja.ozog@islington.gov.uk
Cycling with learning disabilities
After a winter break, Pedal Power returns with weekly cycling sessions for people of all ages with learning difficulties. Sessions cost £3 and take place at both Finsbury Park and the Emirates. Book online www.pedalpowercc.org.
Charlton Place and Camden Passage update
We have plans to take forward major improvements to Charlton Place and Camden Passage – one of the borough’s most historic, popular spaces – as part of our mission to create a cleaner, greener, healthier borough. The improvements will support Camden Passage and Angel Town Centre, benefitting local businesses and local people with measures such as outdoor seating, pavement widening, and raingardens to boost biodiversity and improve air quality, Construction starts on 20 February and includes a new contra-flow cycle movement. For more information about People Friendly Streets, click here.
Women’s Wonder Ride
To celebrate International Women’s Day on Sunday 5 March, the London Cycling Campaign is staging the Women’s Wonder Ride. This starts Speaker’s Corner Cafe in Hyde Park and is for all who identify as women or non-binary and their allies. Cycle Islington will be running a feeder ride and more details will be available soon. In the meantime, book your ticket for the main ride
Joy Riders
Islington and Camden have combined forces and have a programme of led rides. Either from the Crick Institute (where bikes can be borrowed from Camden Council) and some from Barnards Park (where you will need to provide your own cycle):
- 12 February at 10am – intermediate – own bikes – book Joy Riders 12 February here.
- 15 February at 10am – beginners – some bikes available – book Joy Riders 15 February here.
Happy cycling,
Bart and Patrycja