With Sky Ride and 'cycling fever' seeming to hit Southampton recently, Olivia Barnes gives a few tips for those who'd like to get back in the saddle, but who aren't quite sure where to start.
If you witnessed or took part in the Sky Ride last month, you’d think it would be hard to find anyone without a bike in the city. The Bikeability training scheme is taking place at Bitterne Park Primary School and the Riverside Park cycle path is busy at all times now the sun's out.
Cycling is the most efficient means of travel in terms of calories used per mile, and we all know it’s good for us, so if you’ve been meaning to give it a go, here are a few little helpers to get you started:
-
No bike? The Society of St James Re-Cycle Bikes project offers refurbished bikes and it’s hard not to spot Portswood Cycles, who can advise if you fancy buying new.
-
No confidence? Get some lessons from one of the many qualified local trainers. St Denys-based cycling trainer Eleanor van der Hoest says “I learnt to ride a bike as an adult so I know how hard it is to overcome that fear. I could not have predicted cycling would become my number one passion!”
-
Check out Sustrans for maps of local cycle path networks to plan a bike ride that suits your confidence.
-
Go for a local ride with others: various rides are listed on the Sky Ride website if you search by postcode – for example The Itchen Return Ride is a three mile, 30-minute ride taking place on Sunday, July 6 at 2pm from Riverside Park. Click through to book a place.
Olivia Barnes