Free cycling activities in Liverpool City Region
Welcome to The Big Bike Revival in Liverpool
This page will help you discover what The Big Bike Revival is all about in Liverpool City Region, how it works locally and how you can take part. Whether you’re dusting off an old bike or trying cycling for the first time, you’ll find welcoming, beginner-friendly sessions near you. No special gear or experience required – just bring yourself and give it a go.
Keep cycling through winter
The colder months don’t have to mean putting your bike away. This winter, our local delivery partners across Liverpool City Region will be running free Big Bike Revival sessions to help you keep your bike in good condition, build your confidence and enjoy cycling with others.
From getting your bike winter-ready and learning basic repairs to joining a group ride, there are plenty of ways to keep moving through the colder months. Sessions will be taking place from November through to February, with activities and dates varying between local areas.
We're also offering a series of free online webinars to help you keep cycling. Keep checking the Big Bike Revival take part page for details and registration links as new webinars are added.
What’s happening near you
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.
Winter webinars
- Keep an eye out for our free online Big Bike Revival webinars over the winter.
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.
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.
What people say
Since 2015, thousands of people across Liverpool City Region have benefited from The Big Bike Revival. Here are inspiring stories of how cycling has made a difference.
Paul: From recovery to ride leader
Meet Paul, one of our ride leaders and bike mechanics in Liverpool. Like many others, Paul faced serious challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Struggling with addiction and mental health issues, the isolation became overwhelming. It was during this difficult period that Paul found support at Damien John Kelly House, a residential recovery centre for men.
While there, he began taking part in the centre’s organised ‘Joy Rides’ – gentle social rides designed to lift spirits and bring people together. For Paul, these rides became much more than just a way to get outside. They helped him rediscover the joy of cycling, the hunger for adventure and a connection to his city and community he’d never known before.
Inspired by this renewed sense of purpose, Paul trained to become a ride leader – and later, a qualified bike mechanic. Today, he’s part of the team delivering Big Bike Revival events across the region, helping others experience the same transformation he did.
Cycling has given Paul a fresh focus in life – a way to stay on track in recovery, bond with his sons and give back to the community. His journey is a powerful reminder that getting back on a bike can mean so much more than just getting from A to B.
Dave: Riding safely on his own terms
Dave owns a wheelchair-adapted cycle, and staying safe while riding is hugely important to him. But he often struggled to find people confident enough to service his unique bike – something many mechanics were hesitant to work on.
That changed when he attended a Big Bike Revival event. For the first time, Dave was able to get his cycle thoroughly checked and adjusted by a team who understood his needs.
It’s assisted me to do some service on my bike, which is great – it’s a wheelchair-adapted cycle, which not many people want to touch
With support from The Big Bike Revival mechanics, his brakes and gears were fine-tuned, giving him reassurance that everything was working properly.
Despite my strong desire to keep my equipment maintained, I don’t have the physical capability anymore. The guys were great – they very quickly adjusted my brakes and gearing and gave me confidence that the bike is safe
Thanks to The Big Bike Revival, Dave can continue riding with confidence, knowing that his equipment is safe, supported – and ready for the road.
Naheed: A simple fix, a big impact
Naheed hadn’t ridden her bike for over a year. A simple puncture had left her stuck, but without the tools or knowledge to fix it, she eventually gave up trying. The bike gathered dust, and so did her confidence.
That changed when she discovered a Big Bike Revival event near her in Liverpool. With support from the friendly mechanics and volunteers, Naheed’s bike was quickly repaired – and more importantly, so was her motivation.
The event helped her realise that barriers like a flat tyre don’t have to stop her cycling journey. With her bike back in working order, she began riding again and has now made it a regular part of her week.
I never realised how much I missed it until I got back on the bike. That one repair made such a difference
Thanks to a small fix and a supportive team, Naheed is now cycling weekly – enjoying the freedom, fresh air and confidence that comes with it.
Ready to take part?
Browse free sessions, meet your local cycling group and discover how The Big Bike Revival can help you get pedalling – with confidence.
Have questions? Contact Lou at [email protected] – she will be happy to help you.
Lou Henderson, Cycling UK Cycling Development OfficerIt’s never too late to start cycling – or to get back on the bike! Our events are friendly and welcoming, with experienced delivery partners on hand to provide the right equipment, tailored advice and a chance to meet others who are also starting or returning to cycling
Meet your local Cycling Development Officer
Lou Henderson is your local Cycling Development Officer (CDO), supporting people and communities across Liverpool City Region to get cycling. She helps deliver Big Bike Revival events in the area – from quick safety checks and bike repairs to Learn to Ride support and sociable led rides.
Whether you’re starting from scratch, getting back in the saddle, or just have a question about cycling in Liverpool City Region, Lou is here to help. Reach out to get connected, get support – and get cycling.
Hello, I’m Lou, and I love cycling in the Liverpool City Region. It’s a fantastic place to explore on two wheels, with beautiful parks, coastal paths and quiet routes for commuting or enjoying a leisurely ride. With much of the area relatively flat, cycling offers opportunities for people of all ages and abilities.
As Cycling UK’s Development Officer, I work with brilliant local partners, including charities, social enterprises and cycling clubs, to help more people experience the benefits of cycling.
That’s what The Big Bike Revival is all about: building confidence, breaking down barriers and showing that cycling really is for everyone.
One story that’s stayed with me is of a woman who attended one of our free bike fix events. By the end of the session, she felt inspired to join a Learn to Ride event in the park and rebuild her confidence. It’s moments like these that remind me how much difference a little encouragement and support can make.
Our events are friendly, welcoming and inclusive. Whether you’re new to cycling, returning after a long break or simply hoping to meet new people and enjoy riding together, there’s a place for you.
So, if you’ve been thinking about giving cycling a go, come along! We’ll help you build confidence, enjoy the ride and discover the freedom cycling can bring.