Free cycling activities in Derbyshire
Welcome to The Big Bike Revival in Derbyshire
Here’s where you’ll find all you need to know about The Big Bike Revival in Derbyshire.
From free bike checks to relaxed group rides, these welcoming activities are designed to support new and returning cyclists. No special gear required – just bring yourself and a willingness to give it a go.
Meet your local Cycling Development Officer
Thinking about cycling more? Whether it’s been years since you last rode or you’re just getting started, Mikey Cottle, Cycling UK’s Development Officer for Derbyshire, is here to support you.
Mikey works across Derbyshire to help people of all backgrounds feel confident, safe and supported on two (or more) wheels. He coordinates Big Bike Revival events that bring communities together through fun, accessible cycling activities.
Hi, I’m Mikey – and I’m proud to support cycling across Derbyshire, from the city streets of Derby to the market towns of Chesterfield and Glossop.
Derbyshire is a brilliant place to explore by bike. You’ll find everything from scenic canal paths and quiet rural lanes to traffic-free routes through parks, nature reserves and the edge of the Peak District.
The Big Bike Revival is all about making cycling more accessible – breaking down the barriers that stop people from getting started. That could mean help fixing up a bike, learning the basics of riding or discovering easy, low-traffic routes you never knew existed.
Through our free events and sessions, I’ve seen people in Derbyshire go from unsure to unstoppable – gaining confidence, new friends and a renewed sense of freedom. For many, it’s not just about getting from A to B – it’s about improving wellbeing and building community.
Our activities are always welcoming, supportive and inclusive. You don’t need Lycra, a fancy bike or any previous experience. Just come as you are.
So whether you’re based in Derby, Chesterfield, Glossop or anywhere in between, we’d love to see you at a Big Bike Revival event. However you ride, you’ll be made to feel at home.
What’s happening near you
We’re working with friendly local organisations across Derbyshire to offer:
Basic bike repair sessions
- Get a quick repair, puncture fix or safety check by an experienced mechanic – free of charge. Perfect if your bike needs a little TLC.
- Learn what to expect at a free basic bike repair session.
Learn basic bike maintenance
- Want to learn how to fix a puncture or adjust your brakes? Our friendly basic bike maintenance sessions give you the hands-on skills to keep your bike running smoothly.
- Learn what to expect at a learn basic bike maintenance session.
Learn-to-ride sessions
- Whether you’ve never cycled before or want to brush up your skills after time away, we’ll help you build confidence at your own pace.
- Learn what to expect at a learn-to-ride session.
Join a local group ride
- Explore local parks, cycle paths and quiet roads with experienced ride leaders. Go at your own pace, meet friendly people and build confidence on the move.
- Learn what to expect at a local group ride session.
Watch The Big Bike Revival in action
This video gives you a quick taster of what to expect at a Big Bike Revival session. For more details, just click the links above.
Who is it for?
These sessions are open to adults aged 18+, especially if:
- You’re new to cycling
- Haven’t ridden in years
- Don’t feel confident cycling alone
- Your bike needs a check-up or fix
- You want to cycle more for health, fun or everyday journeys
No special clothes, experience or equipment needed – just turn up and we’ll support you.
Who’s running events in your area?
These free adult cycling sessions in Derbyshire wouldn’t be possible without the brilliant local organisations we partner with to deliver The Big Bike Revival – passionate teams who go the extra mile to help their communities get cycling. Click on the contact details below to find out when your next session is happening.
Where are Big Bike Revival events happening in Derbyshire?
Use the map below to see where activities are taking place across Derbyshire. Click on a location to view contact details and find out when the next session is happening.
What people say
Since 2015, thousands of people across Derbyshire have benefited from The Big Bike Revival. Here are inspiring stories of how cycling has made a difference.
Zoe: Finding confidence and community through cycling
Zoe hadn’t cycled in a long time. As someone with an autistic spectrum disorder and anxiety, she often felt excluded from group activities. But that changed when she joined a Big Bike Revival event in Derby.
There, Zoe felt truly welcomed. The people were friendly, the pace was relaxed and the expectations were clear. She described the experience as “fantastic” and said the other women’s kindness made a big difference: “It was much more than just a bike course.”
With support and encouragement, Zoe gained confidence – not just in her cycling skills, but in herself. She’s since changed how she travels, feels better equipped for everyday life and is excited about new journeys ahead.
It has been an empowering experience. Thank you for putting me on a workshop that was so welcoming and inclusive for women, non-binary and neurodiverse peeps
Nadine: Turning short car trips into cycle rides
Nadine took part in a led bike ride in Derby, as part of The Big Bike Revival. She described the experience as empowering, saying:
Cycling gives me a feeling of freedom. I feel happy cycling on safe paths
Before joining the event, Nadine only cycled once or twice a year and didn’t feel that cycling was for people like her. But three months later, she had swapped several of her short car journeys for cycle rides – and felt more confident on two wheels.
Thanks to The Big Bike Revival, Nadine now sees cycling as something for her.
Ready to take part?
Browse free sessions, meet your local cycling group and discover how The Big Bike Revival can help you get pedalling again – with confidence.
Have questions? Contact Mikey Cottle at mikey[email protected] – he will be happy to help you.
Got a question or not sure where to start? I’m here to help. As your local Cycling Development Officer, I’m happy to share more details or connect you with one of our brilliant delivery partners. Just drop me a line – my email’s right here on the page
