Tag: cycling course

Back in the Saddle: New Course Helps Seniors Rediscover Cycling Joy

Edinburgh Leisure is seeking new participants as it launches an innovative 11-week cycling course, starting Monday, 3rd March, designed specifically for older adults looking to rebuild their cycling confidence. The programme offers a supportive environment for those eager to return to cycling after years away from the handlebars.

The course, based at Saughton Sports Centre’s 400m traffic-free track, uses Cycling Scotland’s acclaimed Bikeability curriculum to help participants regain their cycling prowess. At just £3 per week, or £33 for the block, the programme provides bikes, helmets, and Hi-Viz vests, though participants are welcome to bring their own equipment.

“Cycling is a great way to keep fit, active and mobile while enjoying Edinburgh’s amazing network of dedicated cycle paths,” says Cat Wilson, Edinburgh Leisure’s Project Officer for Older Adults.

“Whether you want to join grandchildren on family rides or meet new people, our experienced volunteers will help you rediscover the joy of cycling at your own pace.”

The course features:

  • Professional instruction in essential skills including safe stopping, proper signalling, and gear management
  • A traffic-free learning environment
  • Fully qualified, passionate volunteer instructors
  • All necessary equipment provided
  • Social, relaxed atmosphere with like-minded participants

Upon completing the initial course, participants can progress to an 8-week Level 2 programme, where they’ll explore Edinburgh’s cycle paths using their newly refined skills.

Important Notes:

  • This is not a beginners’ course but is designed for those who have previously cycled
  • Suitable for adults aged 50 and above
  • No current cycling experience required
  • All abilities welcome

The Ageing Well project, a partnership between NHS Lothian, Edinburgh Leisure, and Pilmeny Development Project, is part of the UK Ageing Well network dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles for older adults and increasing expectations of good health in later life.

For registration, information and to register your interest: Phone: 0131 458 2260 Email: active@edinburghleisure.co.uk

On Yer Bike!

New Ageing Well Bike Course starting next month

For those older adults looking to get back in the saddle again, Ageing Well will be starting a new 11-week cycling course on Monday, 10th July, where participants can develop those dormant skills in a relaxed and social atmosphere with like-minded companions.

The level 1 course, based on Cycling Scotland’s Bikeability material, will get participants comfortable again on a bike, developing skills, at a pace that suits them, on the 400m track at Saughton Sports Centre, a traffic free environment on which to learn to cycle. The course will begin on Monday, 10th July at 10am-12noon and run until 18th September 2023.

This is NOT a beginners’ course teaching people to cycle but is aimed at older adults who have not cycled for some years and who want to gain confidence and start cycling again. They will learn skills such as stopping safely, indicating correctly, and mastering the gears.   Bikes and helmets will be supplied but participants can also bring their own. The cost is £3 per week.

Cat Wilson, Edinburgh Leisure’s Project Officer for Older Adults explained: “Cycling is a great way to keep fit, active and mobile and enjoy the outdoors and countryside on the amazing network of dedicated cycle paths in the Edinburgh area.

“Perhaps you’d like to join grandchildren on family rides or just to meet some new people?  And don’t worry if you haven’t been on a bike for ages or don’t currently own one, we even provide bikes, helmets, and Hi-Viz vests, so all you need to bring is yourself! The courses are led by experienced, fully trained volunteers who are passionate about cycling and supporting those who would like to get back in the saddle.”

A level 2 Course will commence directly after Level 1 on Monday 25th September 2023 with 4 weeks from Ainslie Park and 4 weeks from Meggetland. This course will further explore the cycle paths of Edinburgh using the skills participants have learnt from Level 1.

For more information and to book a place on the cycle course, contact a member of Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities team on: Tel: 0131 458 2260 / Email: active@edinburghleisure.co.uk

The Ageing Well project promotes healthy lifestyles for older adults (typically 50+) in Edinburgh. The project is a partnership with NHS Lothian, Edinburgh Leisure and Pilmeny Development Project and is part of the UK Ageing Well network, which aims to increase the expectation of good health in later life.

On Yer Bike! Book onto the new Ageing Well Bike Course

For those older adults looking to get back in the saddle again, Ageing Well, will be starting a new 11-week cycling course, where participants can develop those dormant skills in a relaxed and social atmosphere with like-minded companions.

Ryan Dignan, Edinburgh Leisure’s Community Development Officer for Older Adults explained: “Cycling is a great way to keep fit, active and mobile and enjoy the outdoors and countryside on the amazing network of dedicated cycle paths in the Edinburgh area.

“Perhaps you’d like to join grandchildren on family rides or just to meet some new people?  And don’t worry if you haven’t been on a bike for ages or don’t currently own one, we even provide bikes, helmets, and Hi-Viz vests, so all you need to bring is yourself! The courses are led by experienced, fully trained volunteers who are passionate about cycling and supporting those who would like to get back in the saddle.”

The initial level 1 course, based on Cycling Scotland’s Bikeability material is an 11-week course, which will get participants comfortable again on a bike, developing skills, at a pace that suits them, in a dedicated area at Saughton. This part of the course will begin on Monday, 27th February at 10am-12noon. 

Level 2 lasts 8-weeks and gives participants the opportunity to explore Edinburgh’s extensive cycle path network, from the leisure centres at Ainslie Park and Meggetland.

For more information and to book a place on the cycle course, contact a member of Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities team on: Tel: 0131 458 2260 or email: active@edinburghleisure.co.uk

The Ageing Well project promotes healthy lifestyles for older adults (typically 50+) in Edinburgh. The project is a partnership with NHS Lothian, Edinburgh Leisure and Pilmeny Development Project and is part of the UK Ageing Well network, which aims to increase the expectation of good health in later life.