Learn to cycle in Heywood for free

Jak Kenton and cycle instructors

A cycle scheme came to Queen's Park, Heywood today and offered adults free sessions in learning to ride a bike.

The scheme offers people the chance to learn a variety of skills such as balancing, starting, stopping, signalling and turning.

The sessions last for two hours and are funded by transport for Greater Manchester (TGM). The scheme has been running all across Greater Manchester and offers one-on-one training.

Jak Kenton said: “Everything is free and after the learn to ride session we offer sessions on the road. Everything flows from one thing to another.”

Your reporter got on a bike and learned the back to basics of cycling. The session involved riding around the park with the instructor and learning a variety of skills needed when riding a bike out on the roads. Training was simple and easy to follow.

“We also give people a free high visibility jacket and give them information to go away with,” added Jak.

The next session in Queen's Park will be held on Sunday 6 October with the morning session starting at 10am and the afternoon session starting at 1pm.

The scheme offers the learn to ride sessions and also offers a ride to work scheme were participants are taught how to ride properly on the roads as well as being advised on the best route to take to work.

“Its just about spreading the word now and letting people know that these schemes are on offer. We are letting bike shops know about them too so hopefully that will help as well,” said Jak.

The sessions usually accommodate groups of eight and all the necessary information can be found at: http://cycling.tfgm.com/training.htm