Your lesson will commence in a traffic free zone with an assessment of your present cycling ability. You won't ever feel out of your depth as if we need to, we'll start the session as if you're a complete beginner.
It is not just your ability that we check, but also your bike's roadworthiness. You'll be advised what is needed so you can take it for an overhaul.
We will ask you about your aspirations for cycling whether to improve health and fitness, as a mode of transport or for pure pleasure.
Each session will be tailored to suit your needs, so it's really up to you. Most sessions will be based around a few key skills e.g.
Advice on what bike to buy and what to wear.
Advice on looking after your bike.
Practical step by step instruction to get you started - Level 1a.
Teaching and building each skill learned such as use of brakes, gears, balance, steering, bike control in readiness for road riding - Level 1b.
Road skills such as positioning, timing, looking - Level 2.
Advanced skills such as roundabout management, traffic filtering, hazard perception - Level 3.
Accompanied riding to increase your confidence.
Route planning for all journeys on all types of road (except motorways!).
Yes, we cater for both individuals and groups (maximum of 5 in a group). However, each adult that takes part will need to purchase a voucher and therefore, the session is better value if conducted on a one-to-one basis.
Your instructor will be able to lend you a bike and/or helmet, providing you discuss with them when you call.
Yourself, wearing comfortable clothing (a few thin layers are recommended). Loose bottomed trousers will need to be fastened to keep the out the way of the chain.
A helmet (not compulsory though strongly recommended). A helmet can be borrowed. Please arrange this when booking the appointment.
A bike that's in roadworthy condition. A bike can be borrowed. Please arrange this when booking the appointment.
Your voucher (remember to fill in the back).
Some water, especially on warm days.
One session may be enough to get you back on the road. However, if you think you would benefit from a bit of extra tuition, you can arrange this privately with your instructor (please note you will need to pay full price for any subscription lessons).
If you wish to book a session; please send a cheque made payable to Southampton City Council for £5 to either address below. Please also supply your home address, contact telephone numbers and email address (optional). We shall then send you a voucher for you to redeem from an approved cycle trainer.
David Deane, Floor 4, Travel & Transport, Southampton City Council, One Guildhall Square, Southampton SO14 7FP
Thea Bjaaland, StreetTread - Active Travel Project Co-ordinator, Sustrans, Health Promotion Services, Floor 2, Adelaide Health Centre, William MacLeod Way, Southampton SO16 4XE
Also please note that unfortunately the £5 is non-refundable.
Once we have these details we will send you a voucher for a session that you can redeem with one of our national standard instructors.
Either contact Thea from Sustrans email streettread@sustrans.org.uk or call 07920110493; or Dave from Southampton City Council email david.deane@southampton.gov.uk or call 023 8091 7571 for more information.
Your instructor will require at least 48 hours notice, if you want to cancel a session. The £5 deposit are non refundable. If you fail to turn up for a session, you will not be able book another session through the cycling refresher scheme.
Southampton City Council
