Cycle training programme sees huge increase in participation

An adult cycle training programme in Hull has seen a huge increase in participants in 2024 as more people choose to make active and sustainable journeys.

Rusty Riders is a free programme funded by Hull City Council and delivered by First Step Cycle, part of First Step Sports Group, from various locations in the city, on a rotating basis, including Costello Sports Stadium, East Park, Pearson Park and the Hull History Centre.

This year, 77 people participated in the programme – a 175% increase on 2023 when 28 people took part.

Rusty Riders is aimed at helping adults who may not have cycled for some time to get back on a bike as well as helping to boost confidence when cycling on the city’s highway network.

Sessions last around two-and-a-half hours and are led by a fully qualified instructor.

At the start of each session, the instructor will speak to those taking part to understand each person’s level of experience and confidence. This enables them to tailor the session and provide the most useful experience for all those taking part.

Sessions will demonstrate a mix of cycling and scenarios, including riding on the road (side roads, main roads and junctions) as well as off-the-road to highlight cycling infrastructure in the city that can be used for leisure rides and commuting.

Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transportation, roads and highways at Hull City Council, said: “We are keen to encourage and support those who wish to make journeys actively and sustainably to do so.

“One of the barriers that many people face in relation to cycling is that they know how to ride a cycle but might not have done so in a while.

“Rusty Riders offers a safe setting to brush up on those skills and become more confident and hopefully it acts as a starting point for riding more often, whether that be for leisure, to run local errands or for the daily commute.

“We are delighted to have seen so many people across Hull taking part in the programme this year.

“As a council, we will continue to support initiatives like this and those offered at the Trinity Market Cycle Hub and the Community Hubs by R-evolution as well as investing in our city’s cycle infrastructure, such as our plans for off-road cycle lanes on Freetown Way and Preston Road.”

Places at sessions for the start of 2025 are ready to book.

If you have your own cycle, hi-vis and helmet you should bring these to your session, once you have booked.

However, if you don’t have them, don’t worry. Safety equipment is provided, as are cycles, on request.

Louis Kirk, business development director at First Step Sports Group, said: “Rusty Riders has proven to be a fantastic opportunity for residents of Hull to reconnect with cycling in a safe and supportive environment.

“The growth in participation this year is a testament to the programme’s impact and the enthusiasm of the local community.

“Cycling is a versatile and sustainable mode of transport that contributes to healthier lifestyles and reduces environmental impact.

“We’re thrilled to continue working with Hull City Council to deliver such valuable initiatives, and we look forward to welcoming even more participants in 2025.”

Find a session near you and reserve your place.

Alternatively, businesses or organisations interested in hosting an event for their staff should contact First Step Cycle on (01482) 218 753 to discuss their requirements.