Fun cycling activities for children during the school holidays
We offer cycling sessions in the school holidays for all abilities - from first pedals to velodrome track cycling. Scroll down to read about the different sessions we offer and download the posters for information on dates, locations and how to book.
Types of holday activities for kids
First-time riders
Our hugely popular Learn to Ride sessions help children aged 4+ take their first independent pedal strokes in a safe, supportive environment with friendly instructors. Sessions are delivered with high instructor support and tailored coaching to help each child progress at their own pace.
Sessions last 50 minutes and take place at Markeaton Park. You can bring your own bike and helmet or borrow one of ours.
Older beginner riders are very welcome and sessions are tailored to each child’s confidence and experience. We find that 4-year-olds that are closer to 5 often get more from the sessions than those newly turned 4, but confident younger 4-year-olds are very welcome.
***LOOK OUT FOR OUR SUMMER HOLIDAY DATES COMING SOON***
Building confidence and riding further
Our New to Two Wheels sessions (for ages 4–8) support young riders who can already pedal independently but want to build confidence and improve bike control. Through fun games and activities, children practise steering, cornering, braking and manoeuvring their bike in a safe group setting. These sessions are 1 hour and usually take place at Derby Arena or Markeaton Park. Children must bring their own bike and helmet.
Our Holiday Club Ride sessions (for ages 6–12) include a fun skills activity followed by a guided bike ride on traffic-free routes to local green spaces and places of interest. Ideal for children who enjoy cycling and are ready to ride a little further with others. Sessions last 2.5 hours and usually take place from Derby Arena or Markeaton Park. Children must bring their own bike and helmet, and bikes with gears are recommended for the distances covered.
***LOOK OUT FOR OUR SUMMER HOLIDAY DATES COMING SOON***
Try velodrome track cycling
A velodrome is a purpose-built indoor cycling track with smooth banked corners designed for track cycling.
Our Track Day sessions give young riders aged 9-16 the chance to ride on the indoor velodrome at Derby Arena using specialist track bikes provided by Cycle Derby.
The day begins with coached skills activities to help riders get used to the track bikes before progressing onto the velodrome track itself. Suitable for confident riders who are beginners to track cycling as well as those looking to develop existing track cycling skills.
Sessions run from 10am–3pm with breaks and time for a packed lunch. Bikes and helmets are provided and no specialist cycling clothing is needed.
***LOOK OUT FOR OUR SUMMER HOLIDAY DATES COMING SOON***
Book Now
Spaces on Cycle Derby holiday sessions are limited and advance booking is essential.
For the latest updates on holiday activity dates as soon as they’re released, follow us on Facebook at The Cycle Derby or check back on this page.
If you’re unsure which session is right for your child, the Cycle Derby team are happy to help. Get in touch with us at cyclederby@derby.gov.uk or by calling 07570 955019.
Testimonial
We did the Learn to Ride class today and were blown away with the progress our daughter made in 50min. From balance bike at the start of the session, to a pedal trike to develop pedal strokes, and then on to pedalling unaided at the end of the session! The instructors were all fantastic! You’ll definitely see us again, with our youngest, when it’s her turn and for the development workshops for our new rider. Thank you so much!
Just wanted to drop you a note to say a huge thank you to the team today! Really appreciate their efforts with Harry, I've never seen him get on a bike so confidently and it's the first time I've seen him enjoying it too! He started on a balance bike and has come out riding his bike with confidence and a huge smile on his face - he was absolutely chuffed! Us too!
Please can you pass on our thanks to the Learn To Ride team at Markeaton today. Our grandson Finley had a wonderful time. We left the session and went to go buy a new (bigger) bike. Then spent two hours riding around Duffield and also Grandpa’s field. One very happy, very tired boy who says he loves riding his bike. A huge thank you to everyone.
My 5 year old attended his first Learn to Ride session. He was a total non rider and was very anxious about not having stabilisers. By the end of our first lesson Jack was riding, albeit very wobbly. I was fortunate enough to be able to book a second session 2 days later and by the end of this lesson, we had a happy rider. I was also given advice on which bike would suit our son best and he was able to try a couple for size. I cannot praise both your service and your instructors highly enough and as such wanted to pass on my thanks formally. I haven’t stopped smiling all day and I’ve told all my friends just how brilliant the Cycle Derby team are. Thank you once again, I’m truly overwhelmed and the sessions were worth every penny!
Hi just wanted to say how brilliant the learn to ride session was at Markeaton last week. The guys who helped my daughter were fab and in 5 days she's gone from only ever having sat on a bike twice (and peddling backwards!) to being able to confidently ride a bike without any help or stabilisers. We'll definitely be booking for our younger children when they're old enough. Thanks again!
Thank you Cycle Derby – the children had an absolutely fantastic time yesterday at the velodrome! ...I was so impressed by them all and I think it's fair to say, they exceeded their own expectations!.
Testimonial
We did the Learn to Ride class today and were blown away with the progress our daughter made in 50min. From balance bike at the start of the session, to a pedal trike to develop pedal strokes, and then on to pedalling unaided at the end of the session! The instructors were all fantastic! You’ll definitely see us again, with our youngest, when it’s her turn and for the development workshops for our new rider. Thank you so much!
Just wanted to drop you a note to say a huge thank you to the team today! Really appreciate their efforts with Harry, I've never seen him get on a bike so confidently and it's the first time I've seen him enjoying it too! He started on a balance bike and has come out riding his bike with confidence and a huge smile on his face - he was absolutely chuffed! Us too!
Please can you pass on our thanks to the Learn To Ride team at Markeaton today. Our grandson Finley had a wonderful time. We left the session and went to go buy a new (bigger) bike. Then spent two hours riding around Duffield and also Grandpa’s field. One very happy, very tired boy who says he loves riding his bike. A huge thank you to everyone.
My 5 year old attended his first Learn to Ride session. He was a total non rider and was very anxious about not having stabilisers. By the end of our first lesson Jack was riding, albeit very wobbly. I was fortunate enough to be able to book a second session 2 days later and by the end of this lesson, we had a happy rider. I was also given advice on which bike would suit our son best and he was able to try a couple for size. I cannot praise both your service and your instructors highly enough and as such wanted to pass on my thanks formally. I haven’t stopped smiling all day and I’ve told all my friends just how brilliant the Cycle Derby team are. Thank you once again, I’m truly overwhelmed and the sessions were worth every penny!
Hi just wanted to say how brilliant the learn to ride session was at Markeaton last week. The guys who helped my daughter were fab and in 5 days she's gone from only ever having sat on a bike twice (and peddling backwards!) to being able to confidently ride a bike without any help or stabilisers. We'll definitely be booking for our younger children when they're old enough. Thanks again!