We hope you are enjoying the early days of Autumn, despite the inevitable shorter days that lie ahead and the realisation that the lights on your bikes may need a check-up. Read on for info on free cycle maintenance courses, as well as lots of other upcoming activities.
Recapping Saddle and Sole Festival
24 September marked the return of the Saddle and Sole Festival, after a three-year absence due to the pandemic. We welcomed plenty of cycling and walking organisations, big and small, to share this day with us, and we were far from alone! Amongst the many attractions, attendees had the chance to try out different adapted cycles, enjoy led rides and walks and even have a go on a penny-farthing bike. If you were there, thanks for participating in this year’s event. Didn’t get the chance to make it? We’re already looking forward to welcoming you next year.
Holiday courses this Half Term
With half term only a couple of weeks away, we’re pleased to announce that we are hosting holiday courses from 23 to 26 October. This Autumn half term, we’ll teach Beginner and Level 1 courses at Rosemary Gardens and Wray Crescent. For more information and to book a spot on these courses, please visit our web page.
Up your skill, maintain your bike
With winter fast approaching, it may very well be time to give your bicycle some much-needed maintenance. But… where to start? Our Cycle maintenance classes cover the basics of cycle maintenance, like checking, cleaning, and fitting your bike, removing a wheel and tyre to fix a puncture, adjusting different types of brakes, etc. Even if there is nothing wrong with your bike, you’re welcome to learn some handy tips and tricks from our experts. So bring your bike, any tools you’d normally use to maintain it, and some questions, and join one of our sessions at Birchmore Hall this Autumn. If you don’t have your own bike- that’s fine too- you can borrow one of ours.
Winton Learn to Ride weekend sessions for adults
Our monthly Adult Learn to Ride sessions are now also held at Winton Primary School, near Kings Cross station. If you would like to learn to ride a bike, sign up to join us every first Saturday of the month. The sessions will teach you the basics of how a bicycle works, how to maintain your balance safely and confidently, and how to ride unaided. All this is done in a safe and off-road environment. For more information and to see when the next Learn to Ride weekends will take place, please visit this web page.
Bikeability Balance now part of our school delivery
If you have children in Year 1 or 2, you may soon see them having a go on one of brand-new Banana Bikes at schools. Since the start of this term, we’ve expanded the council cycle fleet to include balance bikes and are offering all schools Bikeability Balance training. Gaining and maintaining balance on a balance bike will give younger children a core skill they can build on when progressing to a pedal bike. To find out more, visit our web page, or ask your children’s school if they have booked a Balance session this term.
Pedal Power
Pedal Power hosts regular events in Islington for people with learning disabilities. If you want to know more, or join one of those events, visit the Pedal Power website.
Joy Riders
Joy Riders women’s cycling group regularly hosts events in the Camden and Islington area. If you like to know when there’s an event going on, please check their calendar.
If you’d like to join the Joy Riders WhatsApp group to keep informed about rides in Camden and Islington, please email eilidh.murray@blueyonder.co.uk.
Have your say
The council is currently consulting with residents on several projects to create cleaner, greener and healthier neighbourhoods and is encouraging residents to share their views:
- The engagement survey for part 1 of Barnsbury/Laycock LN is open now, and closes on 22 October. In person meetings will be held at the Town Hall on 4 and 5 October for residents and 13 October for businesses.
- The plans to improve walking, cycling and wheeling between Nag’s Head and York Way have been announced here: have your say by 22 October.
Cycle Islington
Cycle Islington is a local community group campaigning to make the borough more cycle friendly. If you are interested in getting involved, join their open meetings every second Wednesday of the month.
Are you new to cycling? Or are you an experienced cyclist who’d love to take new cyclists under their wing? Why not become a Cycling buddy? For more information, click here.
Cycle Islington also has several rides around the borough coming up in the next few weeks:
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- On October 22, they’ll ride from Highbury Fields to Gillespie Park’s Ecology Centre to enjoy Apple Day. For more information and to sign up, visit this web page.
- If you’re over 18, and you’re more into the festivities around Bonfire Night, you can join the pre-Bonfire Night ride on 3 November. More details can be found here.
Contact us
For any more information on the cycling sessions we’ll deliver this season, or if you have other cycle training-related questions, please visit our website, or contact us on cycletraining@islington.gov.uk.