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This edition is bursting at the seams with updates on our funded sessions, plus news about other local events in your community.
 A relaxed female cyclist on a quiet road with no other vehicles except other bikes
In response to demand, we have added some Adult Level 1C sessions to our summer cycle training programme. These sessions offer a gentle introduction to on-road riding, where you will be led by our instructors to either War Memorial Park or the University of Warwick along quiet streets and cycle paths. This is the perfect environment to learn how to deal with on-road riding in a low-traffic environment, with the prospect of tea and cake to sweeten the deal (although you must buy your own – sad face!)
These sessions will take place on:
- 7 August
- 19 August
- 28 August
Rides depart the Canal Basin CV1 4LY at 11am.
This service is only available to people who have already taken at least one Level 1B session in the past 12 months. To join, you must email cyclecoventry@coventry.gov.uk stating your name, and the date(s) you last attended a Level 1B session. Participants without a pre-booking will not be accepted onto the rides.
Places are limited, and people who have attended Level 1B more recently and more often will be given priority.
There are still places available on Level 1B sessions in the meantime if you want to get some practice in beforehand.
 A man learning to ride a bike is listening intently to his instructor
In response to demand, we have added an extra date for a Saturday learn to ride session for Adults (Level 1A). This will take place on 2 August at 9am.
 A lady is riding a bike in a park
Cycling UK’s “Big Bike Revival” event comes to Coventry. Each date offers something for everyone – from a learn to ride session for complete beginners, to a short guided ride if you want to get out and about in a social environment.
More details will be posted to our events page soon, but the two big days are
Each day will start with a learn to fix session aimed at any adult who has a bike and wants to learn how to fix it themselves. An adult learn to ride and skills refresher session will then take place, aimed at complete beginners or returning cyclists who want to practice under the guidance of an instructor. The day will culminate in a led ride for existing adult cyclists who want to discover their local area and meet other people in their community who cycle. The guided ride will start and end in Caludon Castle Park and follow quiet streets in the local area, as well as taking in parts of Binley Cycleway and the Sowe Valley Path.
Participants at all sessions must bring their own cycles, which need to be in a roadworthy condition. Why not check out our Dr Bike sessions below to get your bike checked out free of charge?
 A wheelchair cyclist and his pilot rider are enjoying themselves in a park
If two wheels are not your thing, or you know someone who needs that extra bit of help getting to grips with cycling, then why not try Midland Mencap’s popular Parkride programme? You can try all different types of cycle – including adult tricycles and side-by-side trikes – allowing everyone to experience the joys of cycling. Instructors will be able to help you get to grips with your machine, and if you are feeling up to it, take you out on one of our lovely cycle paths.
Each event is held at a park or open space that has easy access by car, and is close to one of our new showpiece cycleways. If you have a specific need, you can request this in advance by speaking with Midland Mencap.
 A young girl is practicising her cycle skills
We are expecting the child cycle training sessions at Broad Heath school to re-start on 23 August. Please keep your eyes on the website to find out more. A new SEN-specific stream will be added to this popular programme.
In the meantime, don’t forget the drop-in sessions at Xcel Centre on Tuesday afternoons.
 A young woman riding a West Midlands Cycle Hire bike
Eligible people can apply for up to 600 free minutes to use the West Midlands Cycle Hire scheme through the Go Cycle promotion.
This is available to full time students, people on low incomes, and people not in education, employment and training who are being supported by an organisation.
Cycle hire can be a great option if you are making short journeys in central Coventry, or need to ride at the other end of a train journey across the West Midlands as the scheme also operates in Birmingham, Wolverhampton and other towns in the region.
 Children and adults on a led ride in Coventry
Local cycling group KidicalMass Coventry have organised a family bike ride meeting at Warwick Arts Centre CV4 7FD at 10am on Saturday 26 July. They will follow a route along Kenilworth Greenway into the lovely Warwickshire countryside. The route only crosses three roads – all at signalised crossings – so is a perfect event for everyone to enjoy a relaxing ride. You will need to bring your own cycles, refreshments and any other accessories.
 A poster advertising the learn to fix sessions
As part of the Big Bike Revival programme, Motorvate in Hillfields is offering FREE Learn to Fix courses. Sessions will be geared – no pun intended – to different aspects of DIY cycle maintenance, culminating in an end-of-series “Bike Kitchen” where you will learn how to get your bike ready for the winter and keep it running nicely through the wetter and colder months.
 Skih Helpline charity ride route diagram
Sunday 7 September sees this year’s edition of the now-annual Sikh Helpline Family Charity Ride. The 12-mile route starts and finishes at Ramgarhia Gurdwara CV6 6EP and takes in all seven Gurdwaras in Coventry and Exhall. Money raised helps support the Sikh Helpline charity.
 A sporty man riding a bike
If you want to ride further, why not enter the Myton Hospices Charity Bike Ride on 3 August? Three different routes are available, taking in the countryside around Warwick and Leamington, starting and finishing at Warwick Myton Hospice CV34 6PX
 Doctor bike takes a break from fixing a cycle to chat to a police officer
Make sure your bike is in good shape for all these events by popping into one of our Dr Bike events. Our mechanic will check your bike and replace brake cables and gear cables free of charge as well as make minor adjustments to things like seat posts and panniers.
If you would like your event featured in the next edition of the Cycle Coventry newsletter, please email cyclecoventry@coventry.gov.uk
The newsletter is sent to over 3500 registered subscribers in Coventry and surrounding areas.
For information on learning to ride, routes, bike shops visit www.coventry.gov.uk/cycling
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