Cycling UK launches Big Bike Revival across England to help people get back on their bikes

• Cycling UK launches the Big Bike Revival: an initiative that teaches cycle skills and aims to get thousands more people cycling for everyday journeys
• Big Bike Revival is being delivered in communities across England from May to the end of October 
• For more details of participating delivery partners see cyclinguk.org/bigbikerevival
• Photos available

The Big Bike Revival will support new and returning cyclists across England through a programme of free events delivered locally by community led groups and not-for-profit organisations. 

People can turn up at events with their bikes and receive a basic service, so they are safe to ride, learn essential skills at a maintenance workshop to repair their own bikes, learn how to ride a bike from beginner level or join a led bike ride to increase their cycle confidence. 

Cycling UK estimates that one in three people in the UK either own or have access to a bike, and through its Big Bike Revival the charity hopes to get more people cycling more often. 

We know that many people all over England want to start cycling more but there is often something stopping them from taking those first steps. Our Big Bike Revival experts can help them to get over these perceived barriers and our network of fantastic community cycle clubs can help people make lasting changes to their travel habits

Sarah Mitchell, Cycling UK chief executive

Sarah Mitchell, Cycling UK’s chief executive said: 

“As the Big Bike Revival kicks off for 2022 after seven successful years, we are focusing on teaching essential cycle skills and improving people’s cycle confidence. Our events this year will deliver fun, social and inclusive activities and services to inspire people new or fairly new to cycling.

“At Cycling UK, we know that many people all over England want to start cycling more but there is often something stopping them from taking those first steps. Our Big Bike Revival experts can help them to get over these perceived barriers and our network of fantastic community cycle clubs can help people make lasting changes to their travel habits.”

The project is made possible thanks to a £2 million funding package from the Department for Transport, which recognises the transformational impact the scheme has on people’s lives.  

Cycling minister Trudy Harrison said:

“The £2 million funding we have provided for this project will give people the skills, confidence and resources to get out there on their bikes and travel in a way that is cheaper, greener and healthier.

“It comes as part of a transformational £200 million Government package which will give residents more ways to travel and exercise, as well as contributing to cleaner air for communities across the UK.”

Cycling UK’s Big Bike Revival is now in its eighth year and since its inception has reached over 340,000 people. 

One beneficiary of the Big Bike Revival is Khalda Begum. After only cycling again as an adult in October 2018 with support from the Big Bike Revival at her local community cycling club she is now a ride leader and passionate about encouraging others to give cycling a go. 

She said: “I didn't have the confidence ride with a group until I heard about Cycling UK's Community Cycle Club.

“I decided to go along and found it incredibly supportive. My confidence in my cycling came on in leaps and bounds, as did my mental and physical health. I've also discovered new places that I didn't know existed just a few miles from home. 

“It even leads to making more short journeys by bike instead of always using the car: for example, I now cycle on my own to the market and the shops because it's much easier than driving plus I also get some exercise.”

In 2022, Cycling UK aims to engage with 45% of those defined as non-regular cyclists, with a view to create 50,000 new cycling trips this year. On average the programme could encourage 1,875 new cycling trips per week or 270 new cycling trips every day.

The Big Bike Revival will also offer an essential lifeline to those concerned about the cost-of-living crisis. In addition to rising energy bills, food costs and national insurance contributions, the cost of travel is also rising. Whether it’s the price of fuel at the pumps or the 3.8% rise in rail fares, many people will be looking to cycling for a more affordable and sustainable means of transport. 

The project runs from the start of May until 31 October 2022, in partnership with a diverse network of community-led groups and not-for-profit organisations across England. 

If you run a community project, not-for-profit organisation or social enterprise and are interested in delivering Big Bike Revival events, applications for Grant funding and details about eligibility can be found at cyclinguk.org/bigbikerevival-current-programme. 

If you would like to find the nearest Big Bike Revival delivery partner, visit cyclinguk.org/thebigbikerevival.