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Want to start cycling? Start Here!

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Why drive when you can ride?

There are so many benefits to going out on your bike rather than driving.

  • Keeps you active and healthy
  • Saves you money
  • It’s nicer than sitting in traffic
  • Gets you where you’re going on time
  • Helps to make Colchester a cleaner place
  • It makes you feel good

So why not try cycling for just one journey and see what you think!

Explore Colchester by bike
Don’t have a bike?

Buying a bike doesn’t have to be expensive!

  • Re-cycle sell refurbished bikes 
  • Check out local selling groups, Facebook marketplace and garage sales for second-hand bikes
  • Check out CyclingUK’s information on buying a second hand bike 
  • Lots of employers offer a Cycle to Work scheme which will save you money on a bike

There are lots of different types of bike available but CyclingUK has a useful article to help you choose the right bike! For adapted cycles, visit Wheels for All.

 

Buy a bike
Find adapted cycles
Re-Cycle bike shop
Re-Cycle bike shop
Bike need some maintenance?

If you haven’t used your bike for a long time or you buy a second-hand bike, bring it along to a Bike Kitchen, a DIY bike workshop with mechanics on hand to help you fix your bike which operate on a donation basis! There are Bike Kitchens in Colchester Centre, New Town and Wivenhoe.

Remember to check your ABCDS before riding:

A – Air in your tyres

B – Brakes working

C – Chain oiled and not rusty

D – Direction of handlebars pointing forward

S – Seat at the correct height

 

And if your bike can’t be repaired, why not donate it to Re-Cycle rather than throwing it away who will refurbish it and send it to Africa!

Bike Maintenance
Bikeability level 2 training
Bikeability level 2 training
Bikeability level 2 training
Bikeability level 2 training
Adult Bikeability training
Adult Bikeability training
Bikeability level 3 training
Bikeability level 3 training
Want to feel more confident?

Essex County Council are currently offering FREE cycle training for adults so now is a perfect time to get back in the saddle! You can sign up for a Learn to Ride, Confidence or Advance Cycling Course. The courses are 1-to-1 and held in a convenient location for you. Learn to Ride courses are also available for children at a price of £30 for the first session and £58 for further sessions. Alternatively, check out our Top Tips for helping your child to ride on the Cycling as a Family page.

Safety & Training
Cycling as a family
Where should I start?

Take your bike to a quiet backstreet, local park or even your own garden and get used to being on a bike or check out the interactive map to see where there are off-road cycle lanes.

 Find cycle paths
Useful Links

Check out some useful tips from Love to Ride to help you get started!

Tips

Complete some quick courses to fast track your bike smarts!

Courses

Check out these instructional videos and webinar recordings!

Videos

Get the most from your ride

Bike Security Make sure that you keep your bike safe when out and about and at home. Find out more Bike Parking Find out where you can park your bike when out and about. Find out more Cycle Groups Check out the different cycling groups that meet in and around Colchester. Find out more Cycling as a Family Find information on the different ways to get around by bike as a family. Find out more