What to expect when you attend a learn to ride session

By Martin Hofschroer
A woman wearing a helmet smiles as she confidently rides a bike through a cone course on a tennis court during a Big Bike Revival cycling session.
Get set to cycle with The Big Bike Revival

A Learn to Ride session is part of The Big Bike Revival, a national programme from Cycling UK that helps adults build cycling confidence, one pedal at a time. Whether you’re learning to ride a bike for the very first time or returning to the saddle after a long break, these friendly sessions are designed to help you feel safe, supported and in control. 

Learn to ride, build your confidence, and enjoy the journey

When you arrive, you’ll be welcomed by a local community group that runs the adult cycling session with support from Cycling UK. You’ll be asked to sign in and chat briefly about your experience and what you’d like to work on. From there, the instructors will help you feel comfortable and ready to ride. 

What to bring and expect

  • Bring your bike if you have one. If not, ask in advance—some sessions have bikes you can borrow.
  • Wear comfortable clothes and shoes you can move in.
  • No helmet? No problem—your session leader can advise on what’s needed.
  • Expect a friendly welcome, patient support and a session that’s matched to your needs

Totally new to cycling? We’ve got you

If you’ve never ridden a bike—or haven’t ridden since childhood—you’re in the right place.

Our instructors will help you learn:

  • How to balance and steer
  • How to stop safely using your brakes
  • How to look over your shoulder while riding
  • How to move off and come to a smooth stop

You’ll learn all this in quiet, traffic-free areas like parks, school grounds or car-free zones—places where you can relax, take your time, and just enjoy the experience. 

Can you already ride a bit? Let’s level up

If you’ve already learned the basics but want to get more confident, our sessions can help you progress.

You’ll build on your skills and learn how to:

  • Ride confidently alongside others
  • Cycle around cones and obstacles
  • Use your gears more effectively
  • Signal and pass safely
  • Ride in a straight line and maintain road position

These sessions are ideal for people who’ve done a little cycling but want to feel more stable, aware and in control. 

Want to feel confident on the road?

If you're ready to ride on roads and take short journeys—like to work, the shops or your friend’s house—we can help with that too.

These sessions take you on quiet routes, such as:

  • Residential streets
  • Cycle lanes and shared paths
  • Bridleways and park routes

You’ll learn how to cycle alongside traffic, navigate junctions and feel confident around other road users. It’s all about giving you real-world skills, so you can make cycling part of your everyday life. 

Who is it for?

Learn to Ride sessions are perfect for:

  • Adults who never learned to ride as a child
  • People who feel nervous about cycling
  • Anyone returning to cycling after a break
  • Riders looking to improve road skills and confidence

You don’t need to be fit, fast or own a fancy bike. You just need to be open to learning and willing to give it a go. 

What people say

Since 2015, the Big Bike Revival has helped thousands of people discover the freedom of cycling. These free ‘Learn to Ride’ sessions aren’t just about balance and pedals—they’re about building confidence, and independence.

Here are just a couple of stories from people who’ve gone from wobbly first rides to confident everyday cycling.

I wanted to learn to ride before I reached 40. I’ve definitely achieved that, but my aim now before I turn 40 is to get roadworthy

Farzana, The Big Bike Revival participant, Bradford

Discover how Farzana made cycling part of everyday life—for herself and her kids.

A smiling woman in a mustard yellow jumper and maroon headscarf stands next to her bike on a wet city street at dusk, with blurred lights in the background.
Farzana Khan learned to ride before turning 40 so she could enjoy cycling with her children—now she’s inspiring other women in Bradford to do the same.

I heard about the Big Bike Revival cycling project at the Manchester City of Sanctuary Conversation Club. I really wanted to learn to ride a bike. Now I can go anywhere I want! It makes me happy. It is good exercise for my body and it feels like freedom. I like my bike very much

Tashi, The Big Bike Revival participant, Manchester

Read how cycling helped Tashi find independence and community while seeking asylum.

A smiling woman in a bike helmet and sporty jacket stands with her hands on the handlebars of a bicycle in a garden surrounded by chairs and trees.
Tashi, an asylum seeker from Tibet, found freedom, friendship and confidence through learning to ride with the Big Bike Revival in Manchester.

Ready to give it a go?

Learn to Ride sessions are free, fun and focused entirely on helping you feel comfortable on a bike. Whether it’s your first time or your first time in years, The Big Bike Revival is here to help. 

Find your local The Big Bike Revival session and take the first step on your cycling journey

  1. Search for a grassroots organisation near you.
  2. Choose your session
    Click on the organisation’s details to find their website, social media, or email. Check their events schedule and available sessions.
  3. Join a session
    You can contact an organisation for an informal chat, drop by to see if it’s right for you, or sign up directly to join a session.
England The Big Bike Revival

Further reading