Cycle fitness callout for York over-50s

Cycling City York is staging a series of free, ‘Fit as a Fiddle’ sessions aimed at getting York’s over 50s back on their bikes.

The free courses are run in conjunction with Age Concern, and open to anyone aged 50 or over.

They include three two-hour sessions covering everything from basic bike maintenance and how to ride a bike from scratch in a traffic-free environment to cycle training for participants of all abilities and the chance to take part in a led cycle ride. Bikes are available free of charge to those who need them, and cycle helmets and high-visibility tops can also be provided.

John Bullock, course co-ordinator, said: “When we ran these courses last year, they proved really popular and one of our biggest successes was in enabling complete beginners to ride a bike in just one session. Our cycle trainers run the sessions and can offer advice to participants on every aspect of cycling, including what sort of bike to choose.

“As well as equipping complete beginners with new skills and allowing those who haven’t ridden a bike for years to rediscover the joys of cycling, the sessions are a great way of getting out, meeting people and keeping fit. All we ask is that participants come along with an open mind and are prepared to give it a go, even if they’ve had no previous cycling experience.”

The courses started at three different venues across the city this month, and more dates are planned for April. For more information about the ‘Fit as a Fiddle’ sessions or to book a place, visit the Cycling City York website – www.york.gov.uk/cycling - or telephone John Bullock on 01904 553440.