Start the journey towards being a professional cycle mechanic or just get better a fixing  your bike at home. We have two free courses for residents that are 19 years old or more, unemployed or earning less than £25,642. Details below:

Women’s only cycle training and led rides.

As part of our commitment to widening access to cycling, Islington have partnered with JoyRiders CIC to offer a programme of cycle training and beginners’ led rides for women who live, work or study in Islington Borough.

Sessions take place every Monday, about an 8 minute walk from Finsbury Park station. Cycles and helmets are available for women who do not have access to their own. Instructors are all qualified National Standards Cycle Instructors. You are welcome to attend as many sessions as you want.

Book cycle training here.

Book a place on a led ride here.

 

We hope you are enjoying the festive period, and looking forward to a good break.

Holiday courses this winter break

With Christmas holidays nearly upon us, we’re pleased to announce that we are hosting holiday courses from 2 to 5 January. This holiday we will offer Beginner and Level 1 courses at Rosemary Gardens and Wray Crescent. For more information and to book a spot on these courses, please book here. 

Learn to love your bike

Does your bike need a little TLC? 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 book one of our sessions at Birchmore Hall. Note: you’ll need to bring your bike with you.

If you can’t ride a bike… 

…don’t worry! We have Learn to Ride sessions for adults at Winton Primary School, near Kings Cross. These take place on the first and third Saturday of each month. The next ones are on 21 January and 4 February. These friendly and supportive sessions will teach you the basics of how a bicycle works, how to maintain your balance safely and confidently and get you riding unaided. The training takes place in a quiet off-road environment. For more information and to see when the next Learn to Ride weekends will take place, please visit our booking site. 

Get a free bike check!

At Dr Bike events, our mechanics can check everything on your bike from wheels, brakes, gears and tyre pressure to lights, racks, pedals, saddles and more. By the end, your bike will feel loved and cared for. Any minor adjustments that can be made to your bike, will be done there and then. If there is something that can’t be fix on site, you’ll be told exactly what needs doing and a rough guide to what it should cost to repair at a bike shop.

Tuesday 9 January, 11am – 2pm  – outside Highbury and Islington Station

Tuesday 6 February, 11am – 2pm – outside Archway Station

Tuesday 5 March 2024, 11am – 2pm – outside Finsbury Park Station

Further details can be found here.

Have your say

More good news this month when the Highbury LTN was made permanent.  There are 5 more Liveable Neighbourhoods currently at various stages in the engagement/consultation process:  Barnsbury and Laycock; Bunhill Healthy Neighbourhood, The Cally, Dartmouth Park Healthy Neighbourhood and Mildmay – more information on each here.  Lots of LN activity to come in 2024.

The council is consulting on school streets for a primary school in Tollington, there is an online survey which closes on 7 January 2024.

Local events round up

Saturday 16 December  iBike have organised a Santa ride at 1330 with sleigh bells and of course Santa outfits, which will be fun – more details here.

Saturday 30 December JoyRiders have a ride from Cleveland Street to the V&A museum in Kensington for a visit to the beautiful cafe and a special tour to celebrate women by ride leader Nikki.  Register here.

Sunday 10 February  Cycle Islington and Islington Cycle Club offer a joint ride to Valentine’s Park for Valentine’s Day with a visit to the cafe.

Sunday 3 March Freedom Ride for Women on 3 March 2024 to celebrate International Women’s Day and organised by the LCC Women’s Network.  More information.

JoyRiders 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. 

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.

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: 

• • 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.

Your summer of Bikeability

We have a programme of free Bikeability courses for children over the summer holidays (31 July- 3 August,  14-17 August and 28-31 August).  There is a choice of venues in N4 and N1. Book here

• 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

Teens get confident!

If you are aged 13-17, why not sign up for our Summerversity course Become a Confident Cyclist. Places are available to book throughout August. Over the course get the chance to pick up Bikeability Level 3 skills on the road (Mon-Thurs) and then celebrate your achievements with a led ride to Trafalgar Square on the Friday. Book your place now!

Our festival returns

Saddle and Sole, our festival of cycling and walking, will be on Sunday 24 September, 2023 from 12 noon until 6pm in Highbury Fields

There are loads of free activities, including:

• Free Dr Bike maintenance checks
• Free giveaways for cyclists
• Fun walks, sign up on the day
• All ability cycling with Pedal Power Cycling Club
• Local shop stalls
• Family fun activities
• Refurbished bikes and bike swap – bring your “wrong size” bikes to exchange
• Free bike security marking
• Family-friendly 5km cycle rides – 2pm and 4pm
• Rollapaluza – static bike racing
• Crazy bikes
• Pedal Power all ability try outs
• JoyRiders- women only cycling try outs

How 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:

Sunday 30 July, 10am-noon or 1pm-3pm Click here to book

 

 

Adult Learn to Ride and Basic Cycle Skills

sessions

Adult Learn to Ride sessions are for those adults who are not yet able to ride unaided. Adult basic session are for those who can balance but would like to work on their cycle control skills. Bikes can be provided  Click here to book your place on the 9 and 10 of September or 31 September and 1 October at Haverstock School, NW3

 

Free cycle skills for adults and families

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 skills sessions are kindly supported by Human Forest. If you would like to learn more about learning to ride one of their eBikes, click here. You can also learn how to ride together as a family, by booking a family cycle skills session.

The Doctor will see you now

Our Dr Bike events are taking place over the summer.  Please check the Dr Bike page for dates and locations. At most of the events you will also be able to get your cycle security coded to help keep it safe

Happy cycling

Get confident on two wheels at half term

We have free Bikeability courses for children over the next half term holidays from Monday 29 May to Friday 2 June. The majority of the sessions will run at our N1 venue but there are few  still available at our venue in N4:

• Beginners (age 5-12) – for children who can’t ride without stabilisers
• Bikeability Level 2 (age 9-12) – learn how to ride on quiet local streets

As part of the Level 2 course, there is a Led Ride on Friday 2 June. 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, finishing back at the start point

Click here to book

 

The Big Bike Ride is back

This family-friendly ride will start and end in front of Highbury Leisure Centre in Highbury Fields. The Big Bike Ride will be marshalled by our experienced cycle trainers. Families are welcome and children must be 8 years old and accompanied by an adult. Please arrive at 9.30am for a rider briefing and bike checks. The ride will then start at 10am and finish at noon back at Highbury Fields.

Places are limited and to take part you must book in advance. Click here to book and get further details.

Free cycle skills for adults and families

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 skills sessions are kindly supported by Human Forest. If you would like to learn more about learning to ride one of their eBikes, click here. You can also learn how to ride together as a family, by booking a family cycle skills session.

 

Adult group training

Basic Cycle Skills is an off-road course for those who can already ride a bike unaided and want to develop their bike control skills. Please note: this is NOT a course for beginners. Click here to book your place on our adult basic cycle skills session on 18 June at Haverstock Primary School, NW3.

 

Do you need a bike?

Our partner Peddle My Wheels runs the scheme called Try Before You Bike for Islington residents, where you can buy a child or adult cycle for a small monthly fee, and the cycle will be delivered to your door. You can also buy a cargo bike and now adapted cycles are available for those with specific requirements.

 

Cycling with joy

The Islington and Camden branch of JoyRiders have a led ride coming up this month from the Brill Place (where bikes can be borrowed). Please see the details below:

• 16 May at 09.30am – beginners – some bikes available – book Joy Riders 16 May here.

Can you fix it?

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:

• Sunday 28 May 2023 10am- noon
• Sunday 28 May 2023 1pm-3pm
• Sunday 25 June 2023 10am-noon
• Sunday 25 June 2023 1pm-3pm
• Sunday 30 July 2023 10am-3pm
• Sunday 30 July 2023 1pm-3pm

Click here to book.

 

Traffic-free riding for all the family

The family event RideLondon Freecycle is back on Sunday 28 May – a brilliant opportunity to cycle on streets which have been made car-free for just one day.  Cycle Islington will be leading a group down to the start and back again. They will set off from Freightliners Farm at 10am and return at about 3pm. Please visit their website for more details on how to register What’s coming up …. – Cycle Islington or check RideLondon website Ford RideLondon FreeCycle Led Rides – RideLondon for information on other led rides to Freecycle event.

 

Wanted: pre-loved bikes

Do you have an old bike which you would 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

 

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR FESTIVAL

We have a date confirmed for this year’s Saddle and Sole Festival. This will be a celebration of all things active travel and will take place on Sunday 24 September 2023 in Highbury Fields. More details will be available in due course.

Easter Bikeability

We have a programme of free Bikeability courses for children in the Easter holidays from Monday 3 April to Thursday 6 April 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

Click here to book

Get confident, get cycling

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 by Human Forest. If you would like to learn more about learning to ride one of their eBikes, click here.

 

How 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:
  • Sunday 26 March 2023 10am- noon
  • Sunday 26 March 2023  1pm-3pm

  Click here to book.

 

The Bike Doctor will see you now

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. At most of the events you will also be able to get your cycle security coded to help keep it safe.

 

Essex Road consultation

Islington Council is proposing changes to Essex Road to help create more pleasant streets and make it easier and safer to walk, cycle and scoot, including outside of New North Academy. The People-Friendly Streets team would like to hear from local people about how we can improve the area.

 

Buddy up!

The LCC now has its own platform for linking experienced cyclists with people wanting buddying.  The idea is that the former upload their profiles and the latter can then decide who they’d like to be buddied by.  Sign up here.

 

Social rides

Join the London Cycling Campaign’s Women’s Freedom ride on Sunday 5 March.  Starting in central London at 11.30am, this ride is for women, those who identify as women and their allies. Sign up for the feeder ride here, which sets off from Highbury Fields at 10.30am, returning at about 3pm.

Joy Riders in Islington and Camden have combined forces and have a programme of rides some from near the Crick Institute (where bikes can be borrowed from Camden Council) and some from Barnards Park (using own bikes): Rides on 8, 12 and 28 March with more being planned.  The ride on 8 March is a special one for International Women’s Day to the V&A for a talk about Women in their collections, a talk especially for JoyRiders.

Happy cycling!

Bart and Patrycja

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.

Click here to book

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

All I want for Christmas is Bikeability

We have a programme of free Bikeability courses for children in the Christmas holidays from Monday 19 December to Thursday 22 December 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

They are taking place at venues in N4 and N1. For full details and to book, click here.

Adult cycle training all wrapped up

On-road training
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 by Human Forest. If you would like to learn more about learning to ride one of their eBikes, click here.

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.
Note: the times for these sessions are still to be confirmed, but we have the dates) – please continue to check the website and email bart.smith@isilngton.gov.uk if you would like to register your interest. Confirmed dates:

• 21 / 22 January
• 18 / 19 February
• 18 / 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.

Take your career up a gear

You could become a cycle instructor! Islington Council and the Bikeability Trust are offering a £500 bursary towards training as a cycling instructor. And, if you are an Islington resident and commit to working in the borough, you can apply for an additional £200 towards the cost thanks to Sport Islington.

Can we fix it?

We are delighted to announce that we have the following Dr Bikes events. Our friendly mechanics can check everything on your bike from wheels, brakes, gears and tyre pressure to lights, racks, pedals, saddles and more. By the end, your bike will feel loved and cared for and they can show you how to do these repairs yourself.

• Wednesday 28 December, Packington Estate, meet by the Arc Centre, N1 7FX – 9.00am- 12 noon
• Wednesday 28 December, Dover Court, meet at the main open area, N1 3NA – 1.00pm-4.00pm

 

Pedal Power

Pedal Power, the all ability cycling club is closed for December and January please look on their website for when they reopen

Joy Riders

There are two free fully led rides offered by Joy Riders that are “for women, by women.” These rides aim to help women gain confidence in their riding skills to the point where you are happy and comfortable riding a bike independently. Click the links below to book:

• 11 December for an intermediate ride – 10am-12noon, NW1
• 14 December for a beginners ride – 10.30am-12.30pm, N1

Happy cycling and enjoy your Christmas holidays!

Best wishes

• 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

Click here to book

Free on-road cycle training for adults

If you live, work or study in Islington, why not book yourself a free adult cycle skills session? 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 by Human Forest. If you would like to learn more about learning to ride one of their eBikes, click here.

 

Adult beginners group cycle skills

If you are not yet able to cycle unaided you can join one of our Adult beginners’ groups- learning is done in a supportive group environment.

Book your place on our weekend adult beginners’ sessions at Haverstock Primary School on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 October 2022.

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.

 

Try Before You Bike

Islington runs a scheme called Try Before You Bike, where you can buy a cycle for a small monthly fee, and the cycle will be delivered to your door. You can also buy a cargo bike and now adapted cycles are available for those with special requirements.

Seasonal riding advice

With the clocks about to go back and the nights definitely drawing in, it’s important to be visible on the roads and know the rules around bike lights. Follow our Winter Tips to enjoy safe cycling this winter.

 

OurBike – your community e-cargo bike

A brand-new community e-cargo bike is available to hire at Exmouth Market and Caledonian Road. To book your introductory session or to find out more click here

 

Highbury Quadrant School Street goes live

Islington’s largest school Street went live on Monday 26 September. A School Street is where roads around a school temporarily close to traffic to become a pedestrian and cycle zone during the school’s opening and closing times. Temporarily closing roads outside schools makes it easier and safer for children to get to and from school, reducing congestion and improving air quality at the school gate Find out more

 

 

Happy cycling!