Cycle to health

cycle to health

The Cycle to Health project is up and running for the 2023/24 year!

The project will be running cycle skills sessions and group skills rides throughout the year. We’re looking to support people both on the bike and off the bike, with some rides featuring a free bowl of soup for participants at the cafe.

If you want to get involved please fill in the form using the button below or contact us using this address: c2h@velocitylove.co.uk

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“I don't think any of the progress I have made would have been possible if it hadn't been for both of you. I have really appreciated your encouragement, support, patience and your calm but positive approach. You gave me a lot of information and taught a lot of skills but you were happy to go over anything that confused me and answer my questions”.

how does it work?

The Cycle to Health team will help you to:

Explore challenges, motivations, interests, barriers and hopes
Join a group of people at a similar level to you
Learn skills and build confidence through our 4 weeks skills course
Be part of regular social rides

The Cycle to Health project works with both individuals, organisations and can run women specific sessions. Please get in touch if your organisation is interested in working with us.

Our 4 week skills courses help you progress in your cycling ability as either a beginner or someone who is looking to gain confidence on the roads.

The project is free and is available to anyone over the age of 18, who would like to gain confidence on a bike.

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“I loved that it improved my confidence in getting out and about again on my bike”

Benefits of cycling include:

Reduces stress and anxiety

Helps maintain muscle strength and balance
Gives you more energy
Improves your sleep
Can reduce your carbon footprint
Good way to meet others

Cycling in a group can be a good way to build up confidence of riding on the roads and is a very social experience.

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“I have really appreciated the chance to take my time to get on a bike, and practise various basic skills like stopping, braking, changing gears, signalling etc. I also feel more confident about turning corners”

want to volunteer?

We offer a 1:1 buddy system to help individuals feel more confident to use their bike for their personal commute to work, appointments or local shops.

If you would be interested in supporting individuals to cycle their local journeys, get in touch!

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“I will, of course, be recommending the course to anyone thinking of getting back on a bike...or wanting to learn from scratch.”

How do i get involved?

Meet our lovely Cycle to Health team - Rachel, Emily and Tom! We're excited to help get you pedalling with more confidence. You can self-refer now to our skills and confidence-building sessions by filling out the booking form. One of the team will then contact you to arrange a chat on the phone to introduce themselves as well as discuss any questions or concerns you may have. If the project is right for you we will allocate you a place in a group of people with a similar cycling ability.

Sign Up!

“I always worried that when this course came to an end I would find myself wondering how to keep the momentum going. I am really glad that you have the Wednesday rides and hope to join you when I can”

FAQs

Cycling has many benefits for your health as well as the planet. By making more journeys by bike you are not only improving your physical fitness and strength, you are reducing your carbon footprint and supporting the environment. As for your mental health, it can reduce feelings of stress, depression and anxiety. Focusing on your body and your surroundings can help you to appreciate the present moment rather than worrying about the past or future. The endorphins released in your body can help you to feel more energised and positive. Our programme is fun and sociable - a great way to meet new people!
We can also facilitate individuals to link in with other cycling opportunities if desired.
The Cycle to Health Team consists of three lovely, supportive project workers- Emily, Rachel and Tom. They are qualified cycle trainers and ride leaders. They have a good knowledge of cycling and experience of group work.
- Trainers and comfortable clothes to wear (cycling specific clothing is not necessary)
- Waterproofs and gloves (in the winter)
- Drinks and snacks
- Lights (in winter)
- We can provide you with a project bike to use for the sessions if you do not already have a bike.
- We can also provide you with a helmet, which we’ll show you how to fit properly at the start of the session.
This project is fully funded and totally free for participants! Yay!
You don’t need to be physically fit to join our cycling programme, just a willingness to ride a bike!
We ride in small groups with qualified leaders on risk assessed routes in and around Inverness. Everyone is required to wear a helmet and high visibility clothing which we can provide if required. During the one-to-one we will discuss any queries or concerns that you may have including a bike safety check.