Below you will find links to resources from both Bikeability and British Cycling giving beginners an idea of the basics of getting started in cycling.
Cycling Tips & Advice
Below you will find links to a host of different resources designed to provide you with advice & tips on cycling. Organised into; Basics, Road Safety, Bike & Accessories Advice, Seasonal Riding & Cycling Skills, scroll down to find links to articles & videos to help.
Anything you feel is missing? Let us know and we will be happy to look at adding it to the list!
Cycling Basics
Essential Cycling Skills for Families
From Bikeability, here is a series of short videos designed to help families cycle more confidently together. Each film focuses on different stages of a cycling journey, starting at preparing to cycle, up to negotiating junctions and passing parked cars.
Cycling Basics
Advice from British Cycling aimed at adult beginners or newcomers to cycling, offering tips on everything from what to wear, to what to carry with you.
Road Safety
Whether you're new to cycling or have come back to it after time away, it's advisable to refresh your knowledge of Road Safety so you can stay confident on the roads.
Below are a few links to road safety advice for Adults, Families and for Commuters to get you started, plus you can click through to read the all-important Highway Code for Cyclists.
For Kids & Families
There is lots of advice online for cycling safely with children. Access useful guidance on everything from handling junctions to road positioning, from:
* Sustrans
You could also consider our Bikeability Level 1 & 2 cycle training for your child, get in touch with us to discuss availability.
For Adults
There has never been a better time to start cycling but, it can be confusing for beginners. Below you will find a beginners guide from British Cycling & Greenpeace.
* Road Safety Tips from British Cycling.
* Greenpeace’s comprehensive ‘Beginners Guide to City Cycling’
Adults can also access road confidence training through our team at Cycle Derby. Get in touch today for availability and options.
Commuters
British Cycling’s video series for Commuters, is really useful, and includes videos on:
* Learning to commute with confidence
* Planning your commuter route
Cycle Derby also offer road confidence training - get in touch with us today to discuss options and availability.
Advice on your bike & accessories
Below you will find links to resources which give you advice on looking after your bike, as well as tips on the various accessories you might need...
Buying & Fitting a Helmet
With so many styles and brands on offer, it can be confusing selecting the right one for you. This is British Cycling's guide to finding and fitting the right one for your needs.
Cycle Clothing Guide
Advice to keep you comfortable when riding, whatever the British weather is doing!
Selecting the right clothing accessories
A host of advice can be found here on cycling accessories from; the importance of wearing glasses, selecting the right lights, to buying bike locks...
Essential kit to carry on your bike
Stay safe on the road and don't leave home without these essentials...
How to look after your bike
Advice from Bikeability on looking after your bike that focusses on 4 essential maintenance tips that could save you time and money in the long run.
How to perform a bike check
Advice from British Cycling on how to perform essential bike checks before you ride...
How to fix a flat tyre
This video from British Cycling shows you how to change your inner tube should you encounter a flat tyre when out riding.
Seasonal Riding
See below for advice on riding confidently, whatever the British weather is doing!
General Guides to Seasonal Cycling
From the team at Bikeability, this is a general guide to all-weather cycling with the family.
From British Cycling, this all-weather cycling guide is aimed at Commuters.
Cycling Safely in the Sun
Advice from Professor Brian Diffey from the British Association of Dermatologists, on staying safe when cycling in the sun.
Cycling in Winter
Set up and maintenance tips from British Cycling, to keep your bike running safely and smoothly through the winter. Plus advice from Sustrans on keeping motivated to cycle during the colder months.
How to be seen in the Dark
This video from British Cycling talks about being safe and being seen when cycling in dark or low light conditions. Click to play or alternatively click on the link below to be redirected to their channel on YouTube.
Cycling Skills
The below focuses on practical cycling advice on everything from negotiating roundabouts to sharing the road with horses!
How to Position Yourself Safely in the Road
This video from British Cycling covers the different road positions and when they are used. Alternatively you can click the link below to be redirected to their channel on YouTube.
How to Negotiate Simple Junctions
Click the image above to play a video showing how to negotiate junctions safely and the hazards to be aware of. Alternatively you can click the link below to be redirected to the video on YouTube.
How to Negotiate Roundabouts
This video shows you how to negotiate roundabouts with ease when cycling on the road. Click to play or alternatively follow the link below to be redirected to YouTube.
How to Filter in Traffic
This video shows you how to filter in traffic safely when riding, based on the traffic situation and what is ahead on the road. Click to play or follow the link below to be redirected to British Cycling's Channel on YouTube.
Cycling with Horses on the Road
If you're cycling on rural roads, it's likely you will encounter horses. Follow this advice to ensure both horse riders and cyclists remain safe and can enjoy their ride.
Click below to access the official Code of Conduct for Horse Riders & Cyclists from The British Horse Society
Dealing with a Cycle Accident
Advice on what to do before you leave the house and what to do should you encounter or be involved in an accident when out cycling.