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Learn to rideor fix your bike

Get in the saddle

Cheaper than the car, faster than your feet: we’ve opened up cycling courses to more people living or working in Greater Manchester.

Learn for the first time. Build your confidence. Drive safely around cyclists. Whatever you’re looking to learn, we’ve got a course to fit.

Chaomsky
learns to ride

It's never too late to learn to ride a bike

“When I got my balance it was the best thing ever!” Listen to Chaomsky talk about her experience at a ‘Learn to Ride’ course.

Pocket-friendly

All our sessions are either free or subsidised.

Experts only

You’ll always be trained by a qualified instructor.

The right environment

Learn one-to-one, or in small groups with other people at the same level.

Going up

Move from course to course as you build your skills.

For all of us

The sessions are for anyone living or working in Greater Manchester over 16 (or 12 with an adult).

Learn your way

Bring your bike (or borrow one of ours, including adaptive cycles), and wear whatever’s comfortable.

Ride for the first time

Free | one hour | small group

Can’t ride a bike? That’s all about to change.

  • Understand what’s what on your bike

  • Mount, pedal and brake

  • Steer your bike properly

Ride with confidence

Free | two hours | small group

No more wobbles. If you can ride a bike a bit but you’d like to be better, this course is for you.

  • Control your bike better (especially in public places)

  • Signal before you turn

  • Check over your shoulder to see what’s around you

  • Ride with other people

Ride on quiet roads

Free | two hours | small group

Upgrade from park rides to proper journeys.

  • Make short road journeys safely

  • Feel more confident cycling among cars and traffic

Ride in traffic

Free | two hours, up to three session | one-to-one

Regularly using your bike to get from A to B? Then you’ll need to feel confident on busier streets. You decide where to meet – our instructor will see you there.

  • Plan a route

  • Take the safest positions in traffic

  • Communicate with others on the road (and anticipate their next move)

If you don't have a bike handy, you can use one of our Starling Bank Bikes. We'll even cover the cost of your ride.

Ride as a family

Free | two hours, up to three sessions | one-to-one

Train up your own little peloton. First, our instructor will run a session with you to learn the principles. Then in the next sessions, it’s time to bring the kids in, too.

  • Lead a journey

  • Show your family the right way to ride together

If you’re the grown-up in the group and don’t already feel confident on the roads, you should start with our confidence course.

Basic maintenance for your bike

£10 | two hours | small group

Time to get hands-on. This course covers the basics of looking after your wheels and keeping everything in check.

  • Adjust the handlebars, brakes and gears

  • Mend punctures

  • Know what to check before you ride

Women-only sessions are also available.

'On the move' bike repairs

£15 | three hours | small group

This course is for you if you have a basic knowledge of bike maintenance, but want to feel more confident dealing with repairs that might be needed on a ride.

  • Find out what to carry on a ride

  • Make repairs that will get you home

Intermediate maintenance for your bike

£30 | six hours | small group

If you already know how to maintain your bike but want to keep it in tip-top condition (and save money on repairs), this one’s for you.

  • Adjust your brakes and gears

  • Inspect and replace cables

  • Check and maintain your chain

  • Run a routine service

Women-only sessions are also available.

Drive a large vehicle safely alongside bikes

£25 | six hours | small group

Driving an HGV, PCV or other large vehicles is safer when you see the streets from a cyclist’s point of view. So here’s a course specifically for professional drivers. We’ll have you in a classroom and even on a bike to:

  • stay aware of the risks on the roads for more vulnerable road users

  • assess dangerous situations and avoid accidents

  • use your mirrors to tackle those blind spots

  • learn the Highway Code’s rules on bikes

Some extra details on the course

  • It can contribute to your Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC)

  • It’s accredited by the Joint Approvals Unit for Periodic Training (JAUPT)

  • It’s also accredited by the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS)

Own the Ride

Free | Day and a half | Secondary school students

We've teamed up with BikeRight! to deliver a unique cycling experience for secondary school students to encourage cycling to school and for fun.

Get in touch with our team

If you have any questions about our courses, or would like a course set up for your community group, then send an email to cycle.training@tfgm.com.

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