Beginner cycling advice
Get started with The Big Bike Revival
The Big Bike Revival has helped more than half a million people get cycling or start cycling again. This England-wide programme offers free support for adults, helping you build skills and confidence with led rides, learn-to-ride sessions, repairs and basic maintenance sessions.
We work with local grassroots organisations to fund free support and cycling sessions. The sessions are run by experienced and qualified volunteers, instructors, mechanics, and cyclists who are passionate about helping adults to cycle more locally.
If you’re based in Scotland, check out Connecting Communities. This project aims to help adults in Scotland get more active. Our development officers work with local communities to offer learn-to-ride sessions, led rides, health walks and cycle loans, including electric bikes and adaptive cycles.
Everything you need to know about … beginner cycling
Cycling is a great way to get around. Often faster and more efficient – not to mention cheaper – than other modes of transport, it’s also good for improving mental and physical health. You can cycle to work, school, the shops, for fitness, for social contact – and for many other reasons.
Many people learn to ride a bike as a child. But for those who didn’t or who haven’t cycled for a long time, starting, or starting again, can seem like an impossible task. That’s where Cycling UK comes in. We have all kinds of advice, tips and information to get you on a bike for the first time or back on one.
You’ll find video guides to teaching an adult to ride, which bike to buy and how to make your journey safer, as well as beginner-focused advice on what to wear in every season, understanding the parts of a bike and how to clean and maintain your cycle.
Video guide: How to teach an adult to ride a bike
Latest news and advice for beginner cyclists
Cycles, kit and maintenance advice for beginner cyclists
Choosing the right bike and kit, understanding how it all works and how to look after it properly are all easy – when you know how.
Our how-to guides are aimed at anyone new to cycling or returning after a long break. They break down everything you need to know into easy-to-understand advice, giving you the confidence to get started.
See our essential advice on cycle maintenance for even more comprehensive information on how to look after your cycle.
Cycling UK projects to get you started
Cycle routes for beginners
Explore the UK by bike with our selection of cycle routes suitable for novice riders. These routes use cycle paths or quiet roads and all have minimal climbing. They’re well surfaced and even the off-route rides are tarmac or hard-packed gravel with no technical challenges.
There are routes all over the UK so you should be able to find one near you to get started, or check one out while on holiday.
