Bikeability - South East

fit as a fiddle set up a three-way partnership with CTC (the UK’s National Cyclists’ Organisation) and Bikeability (a Cycling Proficiency Organisation). This partnership delivered a number of bicycle lessons to people aged over 50 across Kent and Sussex.

Facilitated by two instructors from Bikeability who have been trained to deliver the National Standard for Cycle Training‚ the lessons covered Bikeability Levels 1 and 2‚ which included a range of cycling skills‚ from good bike handling to basic bicycle maintenance. Taught over eight sessions‚ the course offered two members the opportunity to receive Ride Leader training so they could lead cycling groups in their local areas.

The Kent programme took place in Ashford‚ Maidstone‚ Sittingbourne‚ and the Sussex cycle groups took place in Chichester and Worthing. 

Project aims

The 'active network' aims to offer physical exercise suitable for over-50s who have limited or no cycling experience‚ or for those who haven’t cycled for a long time and wish to build up the confidence to start cycling again.

The project aims to offer older people the opportunity to exercise more through cycling. By teaching the skills needed to cycle safely‚ Bikeability also had a positive impact on participants’ health‚ mobility‚ confidence and well-being‚ at the same time as providing fun and the opportunity to widen their social groups.

Cycling is known to be effective in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and when combined with a healthy lifestyle can help to maintain a good level of fitness later in life. Unlike many other forms of exercise, it also uses an inexpensive and environmentally-friendly method of transport; for many this can be a key reason why they take up the activity.

But‚ as with any form of transportation‚ there is also an element of risk attached‚ and cyclists are much more exposed to the elements on the road. We found that this was a significant factor putting people off cycling‚ and knew that we had to provide high quality tuition to counteract this. 

Watch Bikeability on Kent TV
Bikeability instructor Adrian Oliver has given an insight to the programme on Kent TV. You can watch it here.