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.
Meet your local Cycling Development Officer
Magdalena Cichocka 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, Magdalena is here to help. Reach out to get connected, get support – and get cycling.
Hello! I’m Magdalena, and I love cycling in the Liverpool City Region – it’s a brilliant place to explore by bike. From scenic parks and coastal paths to quiet lanes perfect for commuting or leisure rides, there’s something for everyone. And because it’s mostly flat, it’s accessible for people of all ages and abilities.
As Cycling UK’s Development Officer for the region, I work with fantastic local partners – from charities to social enterprises and cycling clubs – to help more people discover the benefits of cycling.
The Big Bike Revival is all about breaking down barriers and showing that cycling really is for everyone.
I remember one couple who joined a learn-to-ride session. They’d never learned as children, but they were determined to cycle with their child. With just a few sessions, they were both confidently riding and already planning to buy bikes. Stories like theirs remind me how life-changing cycling can be.
Our events are friendly, inclusive and designed to help you feel confident – whether you're completely new to cycling, getting back into it, or just looking to connect with others.
If you’re thinking about giving it a go, come along. We’ll be there to help you get started and enjoy the ride.
What’s happening near you
We’re working with friendly local organisations across Liverpool City Region 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 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 Magdalena at [email protected] – she will be happy to help you.
It’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
