Free cycling activities in Kent
Welcome to The Big Bike Revival in Kent
This page is all about helping you understand what The Big Bike Revival is, how it works in your area and how you can get involved. Whether you want to fix up a bike, build your confidence or simply enjoy cycling with others, you’ll find free, friendly sessions happening near you – no experience or special equipment needed.
Meet your local Cycling Development Officer
Whether you’re new to cycling or looking to build on what you’ve already started, your local Cycling Development Officer (CDO) is here to help.
Sarah Cheadle works in Kent to support people and communities to get cycling – offering advice, practical support and connections to local events and activities. She helps coordinate Big Bike Revival sessions across the area, from bike checks and repairs to learn-to-ride sessions and led rides.
If you’re looking for help, want to get involved, or just have a question about cycling in your area, they’d love to hear from you.
Hello! I’m Sarah, and I love cycling in Kent – it’s full of quiet lanes, coastal paths and beautiful villages. You could ride all summer and still discover new places.
The Big Bike Revival helps break down barriers, especially for people on low incomes. Free events, often with bike and helmet hire, make cycling truly accessible.
I’ll never forget a mum who came to a bike repair session with her son. She was anxious at first but ended up joining group rides all summer. Now they’ve made new friends, feel part of the local cycling community – and her son even rides to school on his own!
These events are friendly, welcoming and perfect if you’re new or getting back into cycling. Just turn up – we’ll be there to help you get started.
What’s happening near you
We’re working with friendly local organisations in Kent 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.
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 it’s 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.
What people say
Since 2015, thousands of people across Kent have benefited from The Big Bike Revival. Here are just a few stories from people whose lives have been changed through cycling.
Lesly: Back in the saddle, back to herself
Lesly Conroy is retired and lives in Milton Regis, Swale, Kent. Before the pandemic, she kept fit by cycling for local journeys – including regular trips to the gym, often once or twice a week.
But when her bike chain got stuck and the tyres deflated, she gradually stopped riding and began to drive instead.
Lesly was delighted to have her bike fixed – with the chain repaired and tyres pumped up – at a local Big Bike Revival basic bike repair event. She immediately signed up for a led ride the following week to help motivate her to get back in the saddle.
I’m definitely not as fit as I used to be, so it’s great my bike is finally fixed and I can start riding it again
Louise: Finding confidence and freedom again
Louise Smith, a retiree living with rheumatoid arthritis, bought an e-bike a few years ago but hadn’t ridden much recently and didn’t feel confident cycling alone. After meeting an instructor at a previous Big Bike Revival event in Faversham, she was inspired to give it another go.
She joined a women’s confidence-building session that began in a safe, off-road space before heading out on a gentle led ride through quiet local lanes.
I really enjoyed the ride. Doing the off-road session first really helped build my confidence. I learnt what to do in an accident – and that I need to practise going round in circles and look where I’m going!
Natasha: From nervous to family bike rides
Natasha Brown, who works for Thanet District Council, hadn’t ridden a bike in years since returning from Los Angeles, where she used to cycle on wide, flat paths. After having children, she found the UK roads and hills too daunting and had stopped cycling altogether.
She went along to a Big Bike Revival event with her daughter Kate, who had struggled to learn to ride. With support from instructor Rachael, Kate was confidently cycling within 20 minutes – something Natasha hadn’t thought possible.
I’ve struggled as a single mum to teach my children to ride. Now that Rachael has helped my eldest, I can focus on my younger one – and we can work towards family bike rides. I’d even like to start cycling to work after the school drop-off
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 Sarah Cheadle – she will be happy to help you.
Just do it – there will be a smiling face to welcome you and put you at ease and remember everyone had a first time at some point! These events are aimed at people who haven’t cycled before or not been on a bike for a long time so you won’t be alone
