Cycle training

We offer a range of adult cycle training opportunities, usually free of charge from our base at the Canal Basin in Coventry city centre. Sessions are held outdoors. The location is easy to access by bus from all parts of Coventry as it is about a 10 minute walk from Pool Meadow Bus Station. Paid-for on-street parking is also available. More information about finding your way to the training location.

Adult Level 1A: Learn to Ride and Adult Level 1B: Cycle Skills are our most popular sessions. You are welcome to book multiple sessions, but we would strongly advise coming to your first session and discussing your progress with our trainers, who would be able to recommend your next steps to help you get the best out of the training.

Descriptions and availability of each session:

• Learn to ride – I have little or no cycling experience (Level 1A)
• Cycle skills – I can ride but want to learn away from traffic (Level 1B)
• Introduction to road skills – by invitation only (Level 1C)
• On the road – I can ride confidently, but want to learn how to cycle on the road in traffic (Level 2)
• Advanced road skills – by invitation only (Level 3)
• Women-only sessions – provided by Positive Youth Foundation through their Go Foleshill programme

Learn to Ride (Adult Level 1A)

These sessions are aimed at people who cannot ride a bike, or have little or no experience of riding a bike. The sessions are delivered outdoors, in small groups of no more than six people. Training takes place at the Canal Basin in central Coventry.

The Canal Basin is an ideal location for learning to ride a bike. A large paved area with no cars is used to deliver the training, and the peace and quiet provide a relaxing environment.

Please bring a roadworthy bike and helmet if you have one. There is the option to loan, free of charge, a bike and helmet. When it is hot, don't forget sunscreen and a hat if you need one, and bring a bottle of water. During the colder months, bring a pair of thin gloves. No open-toed sandals or loose-fitting shoes.

Booking is essential. You will receive an automatic confirmation of your booking. Check availability and book.

Cycle Skills (Adult Level 1B)

Cycle skills training is aimed at people who can already ride a bike and would like to develop their confidence in a traffic-free environment. The sessions are delivered outdoors, in small groups of no more than six people.  These sessions are ideal if you already know how to ride a bike, but do not have one at home and need to practice.

Please bring a roadworthy bike and helmet if you have one. There is the option to loan, free of charge, a bike and helmet. When it is hot, don't forget sunscreen and a hat if you need one, and bring a bottle of water. During the colder months, bring a pair of thin gloves. No open-toed sandals or loose-fitting shoes.

Booking is essential. You will receive an automatic confirmation of your booking. Check availability and book.

Introduction to Road Skills (Adult Level 1C)

These sessions are open only to people who have already attended at least one Level 1B session.  They are aimed at people who want a gentler introduction to on-road riding than our Level 2 session.

Our instructors will lead a small group of riders (maximum 3) along a mix of traffic-free routes and quiet streets from the Canal Basin to War Memorial Park or University of Warwick, and back again after a refreshment and comfort break. The session aims to introduce you to travelling further and developing confidence and skills on a bike.

Forthcoming dates:

• 7 August - 11am-2pm
• 19 August - 11am-2pm
• 28 August - 11am-2pm

Booking is essential.  If you have taken at least one Level 1B session in the past 12 months, please contact cyclecoventry@coventry.gov.uk to enquire about joining one of the above rides.

On the Road training (Adult Level 2)

These sessions are open only to people who have already attended at least one Level 1B or 1C session.  This session is aimed at people who are already regular riders and who are confident and competent in their bike handling skills.

Our instructors will lead a small group (maximum 3) to introduce you to basic road craft, riding in a variety of on-road environments. The start of the session will include a basic assessment to ensure you have the necessary skills to go out on the road. The session will be a mixture of instructor-led demonstration, and time for you to practice the skills you’ve been shown.

Advanced Road Skills (Adult Level 3)

This session is open only to people who have already completed Level 2 on-road training and who have their own bike.

Our instructors will lead a small group (maximum 3) to introduce you to advanced road craft, riding in a variety of on-road environments. The start of the session will include a basic assessment to ensure you have the necessary skills to go out on the road. The session will be a mixture of instructor-led demonstration, and time for you to practice the skills you’ve been shown.

Women-only sessions

Positive Youth Foundation run ladies-only cycling sessions. These are structured sessions for both learning to ride and improving skills. They offer a fun and empowering experience, where women learn new skills and support each other. 

For dates and times, please see the Positive Youth Foundation Eventbrite page.

Stay informed of future events by signing up to our newsletter