It seems inevitable that cycling rates are to increase this decade.

As cycle lanes crop up in Tytherington, and Cheshire East Council are encouraging us to reduce carbon emissions, travelling on a bike will become more commonplace in Macclesfield.

But some of us may not feel confident to get on their bike, but thankfully, a new class at Macclesfield Leisure Centre should help train you up and alleviate any woes.

This month, Macclesfield Leisure Centre organisers Everybody Sport and Recreation are bringing free cycling training to our town.

Coming to Macclesfield: Councillor Suzie Akers-Smith, Lee Malkin from Everybody Sport and Recreation and Annette Cormack from Community Recycle Cycles.

Cheshire East Council Strategic Transport team has recently received funding from the Department for Transport's Capability Fund, which has been used to commission Everybody, alongside Community Recycle Cycles, to deliver a number of Active Travel initiatives including an Adult Cycle Training programme, a bicycle award scheme and an Active Travel promotion scheme in local schools and businesses.

Lee Malkin, Sports Development Manager at Everybody Sport and Recreation said: "Our Learn to Ride sessions allow adults to ride on their own for the first time or cycle more confidently. Paced at your level in a traffic free space we develop control and handling skills.

"We will also be delivering Commuter Confidence sessions which will help you fully develop your cycling skills to ride with confidence on roads with more traffic or more complex roadjunctions/layouts."

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If you don't own a bike but would like to access the training, or if you are bringing your own bike and it is in need of maintenance, please let Everybody Sport and Recreation know, as they may be able to provide you with a bike and helmet if you don't have one or don't feel your own bike is safe.

Macclesfield Leisure Centre is located on Priory Lane.

Annette Cormack, Director at Community Recycle Cycles CIC added: "Some of our customers have expressed concerns about getting back on the roads as they may not have ridden a bike for quite a number of years.

"So to know that Everybody Sport and Recreation are offering free adult cycling training sessions as part of this project is a great addition.

"As part of this joined up working approach, we will provide local people with a safe bike, the confidence to ride on the roads and the opportunity to participate in a bespoke cycle maintenance course making sure a flat tyre is no reason for packing that bike away!"

Independent Congleton Councillor Suzie Akers-Smith, who is Cycling and Walking Champion for Cheshire East Council, understands the need for training and building confidence for first time cyclists and for people to take it up having not cycled for years.

"The training sessions provided by Everybody Sport and Recreation will further enable people to get on their bike being active," said Suzie.

"I am particularly keen to encourage more women to ride a bike, but unless they have the confidence to do so won't try it.

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""These training sessions will provide the confidence needed to ride a bike in traffic by taking primary position and the more people who are seen cycling, it will encourage other people to cycle."

To be eligible for the Macclesfield-based Adult Cycling sessions/Bike Scheme you must over 18, living and/or working in Cheshire East, or looking for a new way to travel to work or education.

Sessions will be taking place from Saturday April 30 2022 in Macclesfield, booking is essential as places are limited, but there are also sessions in Crewe.

Secure your slot for the free session(s) here. You can also book by emailing [email protected].

Macclesfield Leisure Centre is located on Priory Lane, SK10 4AF.

See Also: Macclesfield: Highway Code changes which benefits cyclists.

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