Free cycling activities in West Midlands & Warwickshire
Welcome to The Big Bike Revival in West Midlands & Warwickshire
This page is your starting point for everything you need to know about Cycling UK’s flagship programme, The Big Bike Revival. Across Coventry, Warwickshire, Solihull and Staffordshire, you’ll find supportive, beginner-friendly activities – from bike checks to relaxed group rides. No Lycra, no pressure and no experience needed.
Meet your local Cycling Development Officer
Whether you’re new to cycling or looking to build your confidence, your local Cycling Development Officer (CDO) is here to help.
Sharen Ravat works to support people and communities to get cycling – offering advice, practical support and links to local events and activities. She helps coordinate Big Bike Revival sessions across Coventry, Warwickshire, Solihull and Staffordshire, from bike checks and basic repairs to learn-to-ride sessions and friendly group rides.
If you’re looking for support, want to take part or just have a question about cycling in your area, she’d love to hear from you.
Hello! I’m Sharen, and I love cycling across Coventry, Warwickshire, Solihull and Staffordshire – places full of community spirit, green spaces, and a growing cycling culture.
Whether it’s a peaceful ride through the countryside, along a canal path or through your local park, there’s so much to explore on two wheels.
The Big Bike Revival is all about removing the barriers that stop people from cycling – whether that’s cost, confidence or not knowing where to start. The free sessions make it easier and more inclusive for everyone to give cycling a go.
Being involved in my local community, I see first hand how cycling brings people together – from all backgrounds and walks of life. It’s a simple way to boost wellbeing, save money and connect with others.
These events are supportive, empowering and open to all. You don’t need fancy kit or any experience – just turn up, and we’ll help you build the skills and confidence to enjoy riding your bike.
What’s happening near you
We’re working with friendly local organisations across Coventry, Warwickshire, Solihull and Staffordshire 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 Coventry, Warwickshire, Solihull and Staffordshire have benefited from The Big Bike Revival. Here are inspiring stories of how cycling has made a difference.
Mark: Turning cycling into a way of life
When lockdown first hit, boxing coach Mark Gibbs hadn’t cycled in over a decade – and his eight-year-old daughter Amelie-Rose couldn’t ride confidently.
But thanks to support from The Big Bike Revival, cycling became the highlight of their year.
We were lucky to get new bikes early on. But it was the basic bike repair session that really got us going. They gave our bikes a full safety check and made sure everything was running smoothly. That gave us the confidence to ride further and more often
Living in Stourport-on-Severn, the pair started exploring Staffordshire.
We had time on our hands – school was closed, I couldn’t work at the gym – so cycling became part of our routine. We’d go out every day, ride about 25km, stop for lunch or ice cream. It really lifted our spirits
Since then, Mark’s encouraged friends to take it up – and with his wife about to get her own bike, the whole family is ready to keep rolling.
The Big Bike Revival didn’t just fix their bikes – it helped build a habit, a bond and a new way of life.
Kerry: Cycling gave me confidence, freedom – and a quicker commute
As a clinical practitioner who lives in Burton-on-Trent, Kerry Catlin needed a reliable, safe way to get to work. Thanks to The Big Bike Revival, Kerry’s old bike was repaired and cycling quickly became her everyday solution.
It helped me get to my place of work safely and with a confidence that I can rely on my bike. Now it only takes me seven minutes door to door—quicker than driving and I save on parking too
Kerry had always preferred cycling, but The Big Bike Revival made it easier to keep riding.
The basic bike repair sessions meant I could continue commuting and also go on rides with my five-year-old after work. It’s become an important part of our family time
Having faced long shifts and stressful changes to her operating theatre role during Covid-19, Kerry credits cycling for helping her stay grounded.
Cycling has given me time, fitness and headspace
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 Sharen Ravat at [email protected] – she will be happy to help you.
Just come along – you’ll be welcomed with open arms, whether you want to dive in or simply take it at your own pace
