DRARA Green Flash no 33: Summer of cycling - share the fun

[Anna Eden]

 

 

 

Environment Action Group –

Draft Green Flash No. 33,  May 2012

 

  Summer of cycling!

 

If you love cycling then share the fun

Get a 'saddle-shy friend' on a bike this summer - this could be someone who hasn't ridden for a long time or someone who doesn't know how to ride but wants to learn.

The Summer of Cycling is a national campaign running between March and October 2012 which aims to encourage more people to cycle. The All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group and The Bicycle Association, alongside the force of 23 cycling organisations are aiming to double cycling this summer.
It's about encouraging everyone with an interest in cycling to share the fun. Introduce just one friend, neighbour, colleague or family member to cycling. With most Oxford primary schools following the Bikeability scheme it is likely that over 85% of those leaving primary school will know how to cycle so maybe you could go out with a young person, or allow them to take you out.
This scheme is for all cyclists to pick up the challenge and make your pledge on http://www.summerofcycling.net
So how can you go about it, and what happens if you can't ride a bike? 
Learning to ride as an adult
One thing that may be easier when you are older is learning to cycle, that is if you want to! This is because adults have a better understanding of the importance of balance. 
The suggested steps are to:

• Learn on a bike that is the right size for you and which you think you will be comfortable riding.
• Find somewhere with no traffic and which is level
• Sit on the saddle with you feet on the ground
• Then take off without using the peddles and get a sense of the balance required
• Only then progress on to using the peddles
• With more confidence you can then build up your pedaling and practising braking and turning before being more adventurous

Bike shops can help
Ask at your local bike shop if someone will help. Certainly the Cycle Centre in Walton Street on 01865 554646 would be pleased to help those wanting to learn. Phone to make an appointment.
Read up about it
Try the book by John Franklin - 'Cyclecraft: the complete guide to safe and enjoyable cycling for adults and children'.
Also if you think you think you are the sort of cyclist who likes cycling and reading and stories try Bella Bathurst's 'The Bicycle Book'.
Both are available from the local Oxfordshire County Council library.
Is your bike fit to ride?
Many bikes are in sheds and haven't been used for a long time. In the next Green Flash we will look at some simple maintenance tips and checks.
Useful links
Cyclox - The cycling campaign for Oxford http://www.cyclox.org/
Sustrans - UK charity enabling people to travel by foot, bike or public transport for more of the journeys we make every day. http://www.sustrans.org.uk/

The DRARA Environment Action Group aims to support practical ways of reducing energy use and promote environmentally friendly lifestyles.   For further information about the Environment Action Group, please contact:

Anna Eden, annae...@hotmail.com or Martin Stott, martin...@talk21.com