People across Merseyside can get fit and save money - without spending precious time and money at the gym - thanks to a new TravelWise scheme offering all residents free cycle skills training and bike maintenance courses.
Both initiatives are being launched this week and are open to everyone in Merseyside, from school pupils to grandparents. The cycle skills sessions are the perfect way to learn to ride a bike for the first time or improve your confidence and on-road cycling skills. Both one-to-one and group sessions are available throughout Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton, Wirral and St Helens and can be tailored to suit all needs and abilities.
Bike maintenance courses are also available, offering the perfect opportunity to learn more about your bike, whatever your level of expertise. There are two levels of training; "Basic" to find out how to fix punctures, adjust brakes and gears and generally ensure your bike stays in full working order and "Intermediate", covering more complex repairs and adjustments.
Jane Moore, TravelWise Co-ordinator, hopes the scheme will encourage more people in Merseyside to cycle more often. She said: "I regularly meet people who would like to cycle more but feel they'd like to gain more confidence first, there are also people who have just never learned how to ride a bike and there are those who simply want to learn more about how to keep their bikes roadworthy.
"Cycle training and maintenance sessions are designed to address all of these points. I would urge anyone interested in taking part to contact us as soon as possible, as places are limited. I think people will be surprised just how easy it can be to discover their inner cyclist!"
The scheme forms part of the Merseyside Transport Partnership, which aims to create a cleaner, greener and healthier region by reducing congestion and increasing cycling, walking and public transport usage.
A range of TravelWise cycle maps for Merseyside, which highlight quick and easy cycling routes around each Merseyside district, are also available free of charge.
For more information, course dates and to book a place, ring Amy on 0151 707 3936 or email info@cyclingsolutions.co.uk and quote "TravelWise". Visit http://www.letstravelwise.org/cycling to request or download a cycle map and for further information on cycling in Merseyside.