Building Confidence Through Cycling in Sandwell

YMCA West Bromwich supported the delivery of the Cycling UK’s Big Bike Revival programme, which supports adults in the community to develop their cycling skills, build confidence and experience the physical and wellbeing benefits of being active outdoors. As part of the programme, we delivered a range of Learn to Ride and outdoor cycling sessions over the summer, providing a supportive and encouraging environment for adults who wanted to learn to cycle or regain the confidence to ride again.

Darshamaben (pictured right, below) joined the programme with the aim of learning to ride a bike, developing a new skill and improving her wellbeing. Having not cycled for many years, she initially lacked confidence and was unable to ride independently. Through the outdoor cycling sessions held at YMCA West Bromwich and the local Sandwell Valley park and with the encouragement and support of our session leader, Luke Ridout, she developed her skills and confidence. After just four sessions, she was able to ride a bike again independently.

Luke Ridout, YGym Instructor and Cycle Group leader (pictured centre, below), said: “When Darshamaben first attended the session, she hadn’t ridden a bike for many years and was unable to ride. With encouragement and lots of practice, she was able to learn to ride again in just four sessions. It has been fantastic to see her confidence grow and to see her develop a new skill.”

For Darshamaben , one of the highlights of the programme was the support and encouragement she received from Luke. She has not only learned to ride a bike again, but has also gained confidence and a new skill that she can continue to use beyond the programme. She now plans to continue cycling, giving her a new way to stay active, support her wellbeing and enjoy the outdoors. “A big thank you to Luke for all his support and encouragement. I can now ride a bike again and have gained confidence.”