You are reading a single comment by @StephendS and its replies.
Click here to read the full conversation.
-
+ElizabethB in addition to what Sally says you could try:
- Most Councils (and you could try where you work as well as where you live if you have problems) will do some free 1:1 cycling confidence training. I did 2 2 hour sessions with my children a few years ago and they were really good - first one was in a park, second one we did our school run. I think they will take you on your commute and give you advice about routes/scary junctions etc.
- You could try LCC as there local groups often do slower/shorter rides.
As Sally says, Regent's Park is good, though the gates open to cars at 6.45am and its obviously dark at this time of year. I suppose the velopark road circuit is another option though there are often some very fast cyclists there.
- Most Councils (and you could try where you work as well as where you live if you have problems) will do some free 1:1 cycling confidence training. I did 2 2 hour sessions with my children a few years ago and they were really good - first one was in a park, second one we did our school run. I think they will take you on your commute and give you advice about routes/scary junctions etc.
StephendS
Hi Alec,
Do you have any tips on how to build confidence on roads and build endurance prior to joining a group ride?
I can ride a bike, but I'm new to riding in a city, so I only go at quiet times or on quietways because I find the traffic intimidating (cars and faster cyclists). I also haven't gone more than a few miles at a time. I really want to do more, but I'm not sure how to start in a way that feels less intimidating. Do you have any kind of pre-Introductory Group Rides, or any slower-paced members who wouldn't mind doing a shorter ride with me to help me get up to speed? I haven't found anything like that in Islington/Shoreditch yet, so any tips or recommendations would be very appreciated!
Thanks