Cycling Safely - A Confidence Course For Adults

The Highland Council’s Road Safety Unit, in partnership with Healthways in Ross and Cromarty, has organised a couple of informal training courses for adults who are thinking about returning to using a bicycle.

These confidence-building courses, which will run in Alness and Invergordon, are ideal for anyone who has recently bought a bicycle for exercise, leisure or to simply use when visiting their local shops.

The Highland Council’s Road Safety Officer, Carolyn Ward said: "The courses are open to adults who are either keen to return to cycling or those who perhaps already ride a bike but would like to gain more confidence when they are out and about."

The courses begin with a "classroom" session covering pre-riding checks of brakes, tyres, chain etc and advice on how to deal with potential hazards such as parked cars, pedestrians and junctions. This will be followed by a centre-based session in which participants can practise cycling in a safe environment away from normal roads and traffic hazards before an option to go for a cycle on a suitable road or cycle path.

The courses, which are free, will be limited to a maximum of 10 people so places must be booked in advance. They will take place from 9am-2.45pm on Wednesday 22nd June at Alness Swimming Pool and on Saturday 25th June at Invergordon Leisure Centre as part of Healthy Highland Week. Participants should bring along their own packed lunch.

Anyone wishing to come along to one of these days should telephone either Cathie or Carolyn at The Highland Council’s Road Safety Unit on 01463 702649 for an application form.

Cyclists are reminded that this Sunday (12 June) as part of National Bike Week, the Highland Cycle Forum has teamed up with The Highland Council’s Road Safety Unit, Healthways and Ross County Football Club to organise a Bike Festival at Ross County Football Club in Dingwall.

The festival will include demonstrations and fun activities for all the family and is aimed at encouraging everyone to get on their bikes and enjoy the health benefits associated with cycling whilst also becoming more aware of important road safety issues.

Obstacle courses, spin cycling classes, time trials and the chance to learn new cycling skills will be on offer as well as practical demonstrations on understanding how a bicycle works and how to carry out basic maintenance. There will also be the chance to try riding a selection of novelty bikes that the Company Of Cyclists will be bringing with them.

Why not try some of the interactive exercises to test your knowledge of the Highway code or try your hand at the drink-driving reaction tests. "Two Fat Gents" will be giving cooking demonstrations throughout the afternoon and there will also be a selection of stalls giving advice on health, diet and nutrition as well as promoting active travel.

The Highland Council’s Road Safety Officer Lisa Graham said: "We have organised this Bike Fest to drive home the many health benefits of cycling and also to highlight the importance of road safety for all road users. It will be a great day out for the whole family and we want as many people as possible to bring along their bikes to take part in the various cycling challenges and fun activities. If you are not able to bring your own bike or if you are not a cyclist there will still be lots to do and chances to join in the fun."

Highland Bike Fest will run from 12 noon until 4pm on Sunday 12 June at Ross County Football Stadium in Dingwall and admission is free.