Book cycle training for adults
We offer five levels of free cycle training to suit you:
- Level 1: Learn to Cycle
- Level 2: Building Cycle Confidence
- Level 3: Cycling Skills on the Road
- Level 4: Advanced Cycle Skills on Road.
- Level 5: Enjoy local rides
We also recommend you watch Transport for London's online Cycle Skills course before attending our sessions.
Level 1: Learn to Cycle
Level 1 offers group courses for beginners who have never ridden a bike or still want to improve their starting, stopping and balancing.
Training bikes are available to borrow. Training is held in the traffic-free grounds of Haverstock School near Chalk Farm Underground Station.
Session times are usually 11.30am to 12.30pm or 11am to midday on selected Saturdays and Sundays.
If courses are full, you can join the waiting list. We'll contact you if a place becomes available.
You should book and complete one session at a time. Multiple bookings will be removed to ensure fair access for all residents. It also enables the instructors to assess whether riders are ready to progress to the next level or repeat the training to improve confidence.
We're using a new online booking process. If you have any issues, contact cycletraining@camden.gov.uk.
Level 2: Building Cycle Confidence
Level 2 group courses prepare you for riding on the road. This course is for cyclists who can ride unaided.
Participants practice bike control skills such as cycling one-handed, changing gears efficiently and stopping quickly in an emergency.
Training bikes can be borrowed, but if you can, you should bring your own well-fitting, roadworthy bike.
Training takes place in the traffic-free grounds of Haverstock School near Chalk Farm Underground Station.
Session times are typically 10am to 11.30am on selected Saturdays and Sundays.
You should book and complete one session at a time. Multiple bookings will be removed to ensure fair access for all residents. It also enables the instructors to assess whether riders are ready to progress to the next level or repeat the training to improve confidence.
We're using a new online booking process. If you have any issues, contact cycletraining@camden.gov.uk.
Level 3: Cycling Skills on the Road
Level 3 sessions are for cyclists interested in practicing riding on road with traffic.
Training is offered individually or in very small groups, beginning on quiet streets around Haverstock School and moving on to busier, more complex roads.
Participants must have good bike control skills, including cycling one-handed and stopping quickly in an emergency. These courses start and finish at Haverstock School, NW3.
Training bikes can be borrowed, but if you can, you should bring your own well-fitting, roadworthy bike.
Session times are 10am to midday on selected Saturdays and Sundays.
You should book and complete one session at a time. Multiple bookings will be removed to ensure fair access for all residents. It also enables the instructors to assess whether riders are ready to progress to the next level or repeat the training to improve confidence.
We're using a new online booking process. If you have any issues, contact cycletraining@camden.gov.uk.
Level 3 course dates will be confirmed shortly.
Level 4: Advanced Cycle Skills on Road
Level 4 sessions are for cyclists interested in advancing their traffic skills on all types of urban road.
This training is delivered one-to-one or in very small groups by a personal cycling instructor. They will tailor the course to your needs. This could, for instance, include your route to work or college.
Training will begin on quiet roads and progress to more challenging situations, which could include complex junctions, multi-lane traffic and busy roundabouts. You can see a Camden Urban Cycle Skills session in progress on YouTube.
Participants must have good bike control skills, including the ability to cycle one-handed and to stop quickly in an emergency. Trainees should have their own bike, although borrowing or hiring a bike is also possible.
Each training session lasts between 1.5 and 2 hours. You can request a preferred training date, time and location during registration. Your instructor will contact you individually to arrange your cycle skills session.
Register for a course Cycle Skills
Level 5: Enjoy local rides
We can signpost you to local rides (and other help) organised by friendly volunteers keen to help you enjoy cycling and show you new and interesting places.
Check out some of he following ideas:
- Camden Cyclist Rides: different rides posted every month
- KT Pedals: short local cycle rides at a gentle pace on quiet roads with a stop for refreshments. Held on the first Saturday of every month
- Cycle Buddies: request a buddy (a friendly experienced cyclist) to help you find a good way to cycle to your work, shops and other destination. They are keen to help you, on the phone or actually ride with you
- Bike Maintenance Workshops: learn how to maintain and fix your bike yourself – changing a tyre, checking brake cables, making your gears work better