Getting Started

"You never forget how to ride a bike…"

It’s an old saying, but for those returning to cycling after a long gap, or just starting out, getting on a bike can seem a daunting prospect.

The good news is that almost everyone can ride a bike, even those with a wide range of disabilities, thanks to advancements in bicycle design and training. You don’t need to be decked out in the latest gear or work up a sweat to benefit from cycling either. Even a gentle pedal to the shops or to school can help you become fitter, reduce stress and save you money. Find out how much money, weight and CO₂ you could save by using a bicycle for your journeys on our calculator.

This section will help you identify the sort of bicycle and equipment you need and how to get it set up correctly for you. This will help you stay comfortable and secure on your bike.

Choosing a bike

It is important to choose the right bike for you, as the wrong bike will at best be uncomfortable and off-putting to ride and at worst be potentially unsafe.

There are many different types of bicycle on the market, suitable for different types of cycling.

Guide to choosing a bicycle

Getting the right size

Once you have decided what style of bike you need, the next thing is to work out the right size for you. If the bike is too big, you will not be able to control it properly and may hurt yourself if you need to stop suddenly or run into something. If the bike is too small it will be uncomfortable and take much more effort to ride.

Buying a Bike

Bike shops can sometimes seem a bit intimidating, but the staff are generally helpful, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about helping people to start cycling.