Bicycle Network: Skill Up
Beginners and intermediates
Whether you're a novice or an improving rider, build your skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Learn to ride a bike
Never learned to ride a bike? You might be surprised to hear that you're not alone. The good news is that, in the right environment, getting mobile on two wheels is quicker and easier than you might think.
Your local council, community centre or adult education centre are good places to find out about courses in your area. Here are just a few places you can try.
Melbourne
Bikes@Work caters for everybody from absolute beginners through to those who can ride but want to improve skills. Regular skills sessions and confidence courses are held for individuals, community groups and workplaces. Phone Rosy Strong m. 0406 765 727 for more information.
Bike Beyond have taught bike skills to riders from absolute beginners to Ironmen and women, from three years old to 82.
CycleWise Cycling Confidence Course
Available to anyone who lives, works or studies in the City of Darebin, this is an interactive and fun half-day course for adults who can already cycle. The four-hour course includes theory and practical components. The cost is $40 full fee and for concession card holders this is refunded following the training. For more information please call Max at Jika Jika Community Centre on 9482 5100 or email max(at)jikajika.org.au.
in Northcote teaches you to ride from scratch in three lessons. Phone (03) 9482 5100 for bookings and information.
Canberra
Brisbane
MB Coaching in Auchenflower offers a fundamental bike skills course suitable for absolute beginners through to more experienced riders. To find out about current and future courses, phone (07) 3371 0300, or visit the website.
CycleAway in Brisbane offers training sessions for recreational cycling at all levels. www.cycleaway.com.au or 0427 431 481
Hobart
CyclingSouth's 'Basic Learn to Ride' course is designed for adults who have never ridden a bicycle before. To enquire about future courses, phone (03) 6273 4463 or email.
Improve your riding skills
Now that you're wobbly but enthusiastic, it's a good time to improve your skills in a supportive environment.
Brisbane
Epic Cycles in Paddington runs a women's ride on the fourth Saturday of each month, geared towards developing women's riding confidence. Riders who welcome the slower speed and social nature of the ride, including supportive male riders, are invited to join in. For more information, phone (07) 3368 2324 or visit the website.
Canberra
Pedal Power has previously run an eight week program called 'New horizons for women', teaching riding skills and culminating in an overnight tour. To find out about forthcoming courses, phone (02) 6248 7995 or e-mail office@pedalpower.org.au.
Geelong
'Cycology for women' introduces women to the fun and benefits of easy practical cycling. A series of sessions has been designed to give women the knowledge and confidence to cycle at their own level of comfort. There's also an 'Introduction to the gentle art of cycling' for both female and male novices. For more information, visit Wilcare Services or phone (03) 5277 2327.
Melbourne
Kathy Watts' Personal Training in Black Rock offers coaching from Olympic gold medallist Kathy Watt and coach Carey Hall. Suitable for novice to experienced cyclists. For more, phone (03) 9557 0555, email kwatt@bigpond.net.au or visit the website.
A new women’s riding group rides from Seaford on Saturday mornings. All women are invited, particularly older women who want to build road-riding confidence. For more information, contact Pamela on 0414 596 364.
Bikes@Work in Brunswick caters for riders who want to improve skills. Regular skills sessions are held for individuals, community groups and workplaces. Phone Rosy Strong m. 0406 765 727for more information.
Hobart
Adult Education Tasmania has previously run 'Get back on your bike', a course designed to build confidence, improve riding technique and explore Hobart's riding tracks. For more information, contact (03) 6233 7237.
Hobart and Launceston
CyclingSouth offers an intermediate course for women and men who want to improve their skills and confidence on the bike, as well as a one-day commuter cycling course. These focus on riding technique, improving comfort and dealing with traffic. For more, phone (03) 6273 4463 or email.
Sydney
Tanya Bosch runs two proficiency courses at Sydney Community College. Although not women-specific, about 80% of participants are women. 'Back on your bike' is for novice riders who want to improve their skills and confidence. 'Commute by Bike' teaches the skills to ride on the road confidently, including changing a punctured tube. For more, contact Sydney Community College on (02) 8752 7555, email Tanya at onyabike@ozemail.com.au.
Perth
Bike Force shops occasionally offer courses to promote riding in a fun, safe and non-threatening environment. Many participants are women. For more information, check the website, phone Paul at the Canning River branch on (08) 9256 3380, or e-mail bfsr@westnet.net.au.
Chain Reaction Training "Turning bike riders into cyclists"
. Email Lindsay Davies-Moore to join up or receive more information.
Learner-friendly cycling groups
Many Bicycle User Groups and clubs welcome inexperienced riders, with regular rides where novices can join in and not fear being left behind. Search for your nearest friendly bicycle user group.
If you know of any great courses for beginners or novice riders, or would like us to tell the world about your course, please let us know.