Get into cycling
Cycling is cheap, fun and easy to do. If you're new to cycling, just rusty, or you want to improve your health, this page has information to help you.
There are various cycling clubs across the county that are suitable for all ages and abilities. To find a club right for you visit our Cycling groups and clubs page.
Free cycling activities
There are regular free cycling activities available throughout the county. See below for one that suits you.
As part of Bike Month running in June 2020, Durham County Council has teamed up with Love to Ride to encourage more people to get out on their bikes and cycle for essential travel and leisure journeys.
Residents in County Durham can now sign up at Love to Ride Durham to log their rides and be in with the chance of winning some fantastic prizes provided by Love to Ride. Entry is free and open to all.
Cycle Durham delivers a wide range of cycling opportunities across County Durham, including free weekly led cycle rides.
These rides are suitable for cyclists who are able to ride a bike. If you don't have a bike, don't worry, Cycle Durham can lend you a bike and helmet free of charge for the duration of each session.
Please note rides may be subject to change. To take part in one of our sessions simply turn up on the day. For further information, contact us.
| Day | Time | Venue | Postcode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | 10.00am - 12.00pm | Woodhouse Close Leisure Centre, Woodhouse Lane, Bishop Auckland | DL16 6JX |
| Monday | 10.00am - 12.00pm | Pioneering Care Centre, Newton Aycliffe | DL5 4PE |
| Monday | 10.00am - 12.00pm | Woodhouse Close Leisure Centre, Woodhouse Lane, Bishop Auckland | DL16 6JX |
| Monday | 10.30am - 12.30pm | Abbey Leisure Centre, Pity Me | DH1 5BQ |
| Monday | 1.00pm - 3.00pm | Riverside Sports Pavilion, Chester-le-Street | DH3 3SJ |
| Tuesday | 9.30am - 11.30am | Glebe Centre, Murton | SR7 9BX |
| Tuesday | 10.00am - 12.00pm | Active Life Centre, Coxhoe | DH6 4DW |
| Wednesday | 10.00am - 11.30am | Pioneering Care Centre, Newton Aycliffe | DL5 4PE |
| Wednesday | 10.30am - 11.30am | Blackhill & Consett Park, Consett | DH8 5TA |
| Thursday | 9.30am - 11.30am | Hardwick Park, Sedgefield | TS21 2EH |
| Saturday | 10.00am - 12.00pm | Pioneering Care Centre, Newton Aycliffe | DL5 4PE |
| Sunday | 10.30am - 12.30pm | Adventure Lane Recreation Ground, West Rainton | DH4 6PW |
The course is suitable for anyone who can ride a bike but would like to develop their skills.
Throughout the course, you will be offered cycling advice, including:
- Helmet fitting
- Cycle sizing
- Pre ride safety checks
- Safe braking
- Steering
- Gear changes
- Simple hand signals
- Basic maintenance
The programme is designed to build confidence when cycling and will progress from cycling at a gentle pace in a quiet traffic free environment, building up to a moderate pace cycling on quiet roads. The course will offer a programme of beginner's rides that are up to 90 minutes long.
Cycle Durham can lend you a bike and helmet free of charge for the duration of each session.
For further information and course details contact us.
Cycling safety information in schools
Available to all schools in the county, Bikeability (modern-day cycling proficiency) teaches primary and secondary children how to ride their bikes safely on the road. See our Cycling road safety schemes page for more information about the training we provide or contact your school.
- Culture and Sport
- Culture and Sport
- 03000 266 555
-
Our address is:
- Regeneration and Local Services
- County Hall
- Durham
- County Durham
- United Kingdom
- DH1 5UL
- Pedal Power
- Pedal Power
