Help if you're new or returning to cycling

The West Midlands is a good place to cycle, with lots of safe cycle routes you can use.

We know it can be a bit daunting when you're starting cycling or returning after a break. Don’t worry - we can help.

If you do not have a bike, there are lots of bike shops in the region. You can also hire one of our bikes through West Midlands Cycle Hire.

Love to Ride West Midlands is a community where you can get cycling advice and encouragement. Sign up to log your rides, set goals and get support from others.

The Let’s Ride website can help you get the most out of your bike. You can find organised rides, free cycling festivals and cycling groups.

Learn to ride

Find a training session near you to learn to ride or build your confidence.

• Birmingham
• Coventry
• Dudley
• Sandwell
• Solihull
• Walsall
• Wolverhampton

The cycling charity Sustrans also has lots of cycling advice for beginners. This includes information on choosing a bike, clothing and kit, and bike maintenance.

You can get road safety advice for cyclists from the THINK! road safety website. Cycling UK also has advice for cycling in traffic.

Teach your children how to ride

Children can learn to ride at any age. You do not even need a bike to get started. The Ready Set Ride programme has lots of advice, activities and games you can try.

Look after your bike

You can get a free bike safety check at your local railway station if you come to a Love Your Bike event. You can also get basic bike maintenance and advice.

You’ll need a bike lock to store your bike safely. The best way to do this is with a ‘gold standard’ D-lock. This is the most secure bike lock you can get. You can get gold standard D-locks for £10 from Wolverhampton Bus Station travel centre

You can also get bike security advice from Sustrans.