Getting to grips with winter cycling

People with a new or renewed passion for cycling have got to grips with winter riding thanks to a series of confidence building sessions.

Leicestershire County Council invited people who took part in its adult cycling courses last summer to attend a free top-up course focussing on cycling in wintry conditions.

The sessions were held one night a week for three weeks in Thurmaston and the surrounding area.

Mahesh Parmar (59) from Birstall has been taking part in the course. He said: Cycling in the dark and in winter weather conditions was a new experience for me and I’m not sure I would have ridden at night if it wasn’t for the course.

The instructors really were excellent and as a result I feel a lot more confident now when it comes to cycling during the winter.”

Lesley Pendleton, County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: With darker evenings, colder weather and different road conditions, you do have to consider the way you cycle in the winter.

We had a great response from people who took part in our adult courses last year, with many enjoying a new or renewed passion for cycling.

This course has helped boost riders’ confidence further, offering tips on how to be safe and enjoy winter riding.”

The council is planning to offer more free adult cycling courses in the spring across the county.

The cycle courses are part of the council’s Choose How You Move Campaign which aims to encourage people to have fun, get fit, save money and help the environment: www.leics.gov.uk/choosehowyoumove

To download a cycle map highlighting routes in your local area visit: www.leics.gov.uk/cycle_trails

ENDS