CTUK News

We successfully hosted ‘The Cycle Coo’, a free cycling event celebrating ‘cycling, cooperation and cool’ at Brockwell Park on the 3rd of July. The Cycle Coo included BMX racing, free Dr Bikes, free cycle training lessons, a bike polo tournament, bicycle ballet workshops and cycle related market stalls. At The Coo, CTUK cycle instructors taught one of their youngest trainees, a three year old to cycle for the first time without stabilisers.

Keep an eye out for ‘Coo 2’ next year!

One of two young trainees who learnt to ride for the first time without their stabilisers at The Cycle Coo

We provided nine free Dr Bikes mechanics. One Dr alone checked 35 bikes at the event!

Participants doing the ‘superman’ manoeuvre at The Bicycle Ballet workshop

Cycle Training UK are taking part in 52 Ways to Change the World co-operatively a celebration all all things co-operative during the very first Co-operative Fortnight in the UK.

We'll be in the Marketplace with organisations ranging from the Plan Bee Campaign and Fairtrade Foundation to Fruit 4 Work. There will also be Cookery Demonstrations at the Co-operative Kitchen and a range of workshops.

Why not pop in and see us:

52 Ways to Change the World Co-operatively
Saturday 19 June, 11am-4.30, Central Hall, Westminster

Yesterday we celebrated our 2,000th on-road school cycle training course in West Acton Primary School. So far we have trained 28,000 school children to cycle safely on London roads.

Robert Davis from the Transport Strategy Team at Ealing Council was at the school to talk to the children, distribute goody bags and cut the celebratory cake. He said:
"We are very pleased to celebrate this anniversary. CTUK have been staffing our Bicycle Support Team for ten years, and during that time have run 355 on-road courses at schools in the Borough. They have been at the forefront of developing the National Standards - now known as "Bikeability" - for cycle training. This has been crucial in promoting confident cycling, which is a key element in supporting cycling in the Borough."

(l-r) Henrik Risager (CTUK instructor), Mrs Emma Appelby (Deputy Headteacher), Robert Davis (Ealing Council), Ian Pearson (CTUK instructor), Mrs Janice Hedge (Year 5 Teacher and course coordinator)

The school’s Deputy Headteacher, Mrs Emma Appelby commented, ‘Cycle training is always popular at West Acton Primary. We have been doing it for the last eight years and feel it contributes greatly to encouraging healthy living and staying safe. The children love being involved and find the experience “fantastic” and “exhilarating!’

Here's to the next 2,000 courses!

The Barbican Centre has introduced cycle training lessons for new staff joining the Centre. New employees (and existing ones) can take advantage of a 1:1 two hour session with CTUK to learn to ride confidently around the City and commute safely to work.

Caroline Brookes, The Barbican Centre's HR Administrator said:
'The Barbican has a strong sustainability and environmental ethos and offering cycle training sessions to our employees is a wonderful way to put our green credentials into practice. Additionally as an employer safeguarding our employees is essential. To that end, professional 1:1 cycle training can enable our people to cycle safely and confidently in London traffic.’

One of the Barbican’s employees getting to grips with cycle control skills at the Centre.

Malorees Junior School in North West London views cycling as a life skill. Alongside swimming, cycling is considered a useful and important activity that will deliver real benefits to the children throughout their lives.

‘Cycling is so important for the children and they love it. It is good for their health but you don’t have to be really fit to be a superb cyclist. In that way it is a very inclusive activity. As well as hand-to-eye and balance skills, cycling on the road helps to develop the children’s confidence. The parents also appreciate the child’s improved road skills and traffic awareness when cycling as a family.’
Pam Thomas, Head Teacher, Malorees Junior School