 Help your child ride safely and confidently in 2026
Is your child is getting a new bike for Christmas but needs help getting the most from it? Come to one of our Learn to Ride sessions in the New Year!
We teach children aged five and over (or four if they're in full-time school) who'd like to learn to ride without stabilisers.
You need to bring along your own pedal bike in a roadworthy condition, with stabilisers removed and a cycle helmet.
The sessions take place on Wednesdays from 4pm to 5pm at FBC, Finchampstead and on Thursdays from 4pm to 5pm at Woodford Park Leisure Centre, Woodley.
Each session costs £10 and most children need two to benefit. Booking is essential through our website.
 Creative kids bring the festive bling!
Congratulations to Fern, five, and Isla, nine, who are the winners of our "bling your bike" competition. Fern wins a £50 book while Isla wins a £25 book token.
Before you travel by bus, check the timetables for Reading Buses, Thames Valley Buses and Carousel Buses as there are Christmas changes. You can also find out more about changes to trains on the National Rail website.
 Work starts on new active travel route soon
We're ready to start building a new walking and cycling link between central Woodley and Palmer Park, at the Reading borough border.
This scheme is set out in our long-term plan to improve walking, wheeling and cycling provision and is funded by Active Travel England.
When it's finished, this healthy and sustainable route will connect our communities to a range of amenities including shops, schools, leisure centres and a library.
Construction will start on Woodlands Avenue on Monday 26 January, with traffic management including closures and diversions at certain times.
This will cause disruption until at least mid-August, so read the full details on our website (exact dates subject to change) if you could be affected.
We've sent letters to people living along the route, and we'll do all we can to keep pedestrian access and access to properties open.
The scheme will also involve works on parts of Church Road and Culver Lane from the summer, with details to be confirmed nearer the time.
 Above (click to enlarge): a simplified overview of the proposed improvements at Woosehill roundabout
Improvements will support pedestrians and cyclists
We're also set to overhaul Woosehill roundabout in Wokingham to make it more convenient and accessible for walking and cycling.
The works at the junction of Woosehill Spine Road and the A329 Reading Road have been agreed, subject to detailed design, though no construction date is set.
Construction will be timed to minimise disruption and won't happen while the South Wokingham Distributor Road works are adding pressure to the network.
The scheme includes new toucan crossings and a section of segregated two-way cycleway along Reading Road, plus sections of shared-use path.
The new crossing near Mill Close will strengthen connections to the Emmbrook schools by improving access to the nearby footpath under the railway.
This scheme is being funded by Active Travel England and other external sources including Wokingham Town Council and Safer Routes to School.
 Signs point way to easier walking and cycling
We've improved street signs in Wokingham town centre and elsewhere with funding from the Government.
In recent weeks, we've installed signposts and larger signs with maps at prominent locations like Elms Field, Market Place, Carnival Hub and several car parks.
We've also installed signs at Wokingham, Winnersh, Winnersh Triangle and Earley stations, all run by South Western Railway, and updated existing signage.
The maps show bus stops, bicycle parking, public toilets, playgrounds, larger shops and more, with a QR code linking to walking and cycling maps.
They'll help everyone get around more easily, whether they're new to the area or just getting to know it better.
For rail passengers making onward journeys by bike, there are already repair stands at Wokingham, Winnersh and Winnersh Triangle station, among other locations.
 Looking for ideas for your winter walk?
Walking is a sustainable mode of transport and a healthy choice that contributes to a cleaner environment - it's good for your physical and mental wellbeing.
If you want to get active over the break, we have lots of information of where to go for a walk - visit our local walking section for some ideas.
There are more 29 more nature parks in the borough and the Thames Basin Heaths Partnership also have some great suggestions.
 Upcoming activities and events
- Free Balance Bike Club at FBC in Finchampstead (Wednesdays)
- Free Balance Bike Club at Woodford Park Leisure Centre in Woodley (Thursdays)
- Learn to Ride sessions (£10) at FBC in Finchampstead (Wednesdays)
- Learn to Ride sessions (£10) at Woodford Park Leisure Centre in Woodley (Thursdays)
- Dr Bike (free bike checks) at Woodford Park Leisure Centre (on Thursdays during term-time between 2.30pm to 3.30pm
For more information on our regular cycle training and activities or to book, visit our website. or follow us on Facebook and Instagram
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