07704 948891 jenny@smile-cycling.co.uk
Starter for 10: why take lessons?
If you feel uneasy or unable to cycle, lessons from whatever level you're at will give you the skills to progress. Together we can problem-solve anything that's giving you trouble! Tuition will help you build all-round cycling confidence, plus we can focus on anything you particularly want to work on, e.g. bike handling, hills, on-road interactions, etc.
Picture the journey you'd like to cycle... is there a bit of it that really makes you nervous? We can visit it together, discuss your options and tackle it from as many angles as you like :)
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We'll use four Core Principles: observation, communication, positioning and priority.  They are the bedrock of the UK's National Standard and Bikeability programme (known as "Cycling Proficiency" when I was at school!), and the keys helping you protect yourself and share the road confidently, competently and consistently.​
Beginners - any age!
We'll start with a tour of your bike and the basics of balancing, and when you feel safe we progress gradually at your pace. We'll stay off the road for a while, until you feel ready to use your new skills of gliding, pedalling, signalling and turning on quiet roads.
​Sharing the road space
For many people, fear of riding alongside cars and other vehicles is the biggest barrier to cycling. Yet cyclists are bona fide road users, with at least as much right as motor vehicles to be there. Lessons with Smile Cycling show you how to claim your space on the road safely, calmly, clearly, assertively and considerately. You'll learn how to make sure you're seen, take priority and space when you need it, concede it when safe to do so, and protect yourself at all times.
Using an e-bike... or nearly?
Perhaps you're thinking of buying an e-bike, or already have access to one and are finding it tricky to get used to? They're certainly heavier than "push bikes", and the controls aren't always intuitive. Why not go out for an e-bike ride with Smile Cycling, get some tips and practice, and feel that lift as you head uphill!
Bike handling skills practice
Some tips on control, including some activities on steering, and balancing at very low speeds (brilliant practice for waiting at traffic lights!). Perhaps you're a new-ish e-bike owner and finding it tricky to get used to a heavier bike and electric controls? Happy to help :)
Other cycling services​
- Gearing up for a one-off big ride... e.g. sponsored and/or multi-day? Smile Cycling can coach you on cycling in dense groups, fuelling, sprinting, cadence, energy-saving and more. - Do you reckon you get more than your fair share of aggro from other road users? Let's look at your riding style and try to sort it. - Fancy a session in a small group (lower price per head...)? - Are you a business looking to reduce your carbon footprint? Staff travel is a great place to start! Smile Cycling can also calculate the carbon emissions saving that would result from higher uptake of cycling by your staff. Full info for corporate ​clients coming soon.
Staying safe
More than hi-vis
Ok, hi-vis does help! And a helmet, and a bell. Smile Cycling focuses a lot on paying attention and anticipating other road users' movements, to reduce and avert problems. There is always a risk element - our fellow humans are not 100% predictable and not always paying attention. However, as a calm, competent, consistent cyclist YOUR actions will bring that risk right down.
REMEMBER! The more people cycle, the more other road users see cyclists, get used to accommodating cyclists and take steps to make sure cyclists stay safe.