FREE CYCLIST TRAINING FOR FAMILIES
Sunday 29th June, click here for your free places.
What's On 2008
For details of our events, promotions and competitions during the year, click here
Saturday 14th June
See us in Kingsbury at the Community Showcase. Bring your bike and get it checked over.
Friday 20th June
Save the Planet by car sharing to work on this day and you will get a bag of delicious Mars Planets. Log onto Click here
Saturday 21st June
Green Transport Festival, Kingsbury Circus Bill, Jazzercise, Dr Bike, Mix96 Megaslide. Fun all day. DON'T MISS IT!
You and Your Bike
Staying safe on your bike
Aylesbury has some of the safest roads in the UK; there have been no cyclist fatalities for more than three years in Aylesbury.
However accidents obviously happen and there are some simple things you can do to stay as safe as possible.
If you lack confidence cycling on road or haven't ridden a bike for a while, you should consider cycle training. See our list of cycle trainers. Courses start with the basics of off-road training, progressing to on-road training, initially using quiet roads, then building awareness and confidence on busier roads.
For tips on staying safe on your bike check out the Think Campaign's website.
There's some good advice from Why Cycle too, including tips about bike security
Young people between 11 and 16 are more at risk of being killed or seriously injured as a pedestrian or cyclist than any other age group. The Cycle Sense website is a teen orientated site with safety tips and advice.
Or visit Arrive Alive, a highway code site for younger road users.
For all you need to know as a cyclist about the highway code click here.
The law and the cyclist
Find out your basic rights as a cyclist.
Choosing a bike
There's a huge range of bike styles from mountain bikes, touring, road and hybrid to BMX. Check out Why Cycle for some advice on what might be the best bike for your needs before you go shopping.
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a bike, particularly for children, is correct sizing. Why Cycle offers a guide to the best size bike for adults and children.
Here's a summary of some of the most popular bikes
Commuter bike: These are excellent general purpose bikes and are equally suitable for commuting or leisure riding. They are ideally suited to commuting in towns like Aylesbury. Ridgeback, Trek and Giant all make very good hybrids, and start from around £200-£230. They are ideal for short to mid distance commutes, such as from Wendover, Aston Clinton, Bierton, Watermead, Haydon Hill or Stone, and the larger frames make panniers easy to fit.
Racing bike / road bike: Racers are classic speedster bikes, with low handlebars and a high saddle for maximum aerodynamics. The dropped handlebars make the brakes harder to reach and the riding position necessitates fast pedalling. They have very light frames and thin tyres, great for riding quickly. Racing bikes are very suitable for slightly longer commutes – over 6 miles – but will not hold panniers easily. They start from £250-£300 but you can pay up to £10,000 for a top quality road bike.
Folding bike: Folding bikes have the advantage of collapsing down to briefcase size and are the only bicycle allowed on trains during peak hours. This makes 'folders' fantastic for incorporating into a commute containing train or bus travel, or "mixed-mode" commuting, as you can cycle to the station or bus stop and simply fold your bike up and take it on the train. They have smaller wheels than normal bikes but are just as fast in urban environments. They are also far less likely to be stolen, as you can carry it with you when you arrive at your destination, and they won't get wet or rusty as they can be easily stored inside. Good makes include Brompton, Airnimal and Strida, and they start from £299.
Equipment you will need
The only equipment you need for cycling is a bike fitted with a red rear reflector, and lights if you plan to cycle in the dark. Other equipment is recommended, but not essential.
Lock: Buy a secure D-lock with a proper key and locking system. Good D-locks start at about £25, and the Squire UBX – recommended by the Cyclist Touring Company – retails for £30. When locking your bike, make sure you insert the lock through the frame of the bike and the front wheel, and attach it to something secure. A lock is only as strong as what it is locked to!
Helmet: The wearing of helmets is not compulsory in this country, but they do provide protection in case of an incident. Look for a helmet with the British Standards Kitemark, (preferably to European standard EN1078 or equivalent) and make sure it fits properly. Good helmet makes include Bell, Giro, Met, Specialised and Trek, and retail from £30.
Panniers: For transporting documents, clothing or lunch, panniers are ideal as they allow you to carry objects on a bike without the sweaty back that comes from riding with a backpack. Panniers go over the rear wheel on a frame, and act as saddlebags for a bike; they are easy to remove and start at about £25. They can be waterproof and are fine for carrying delicate materials in wet or cold weather.
Mudguards: Most cyclists know that it's not rain that's the problem, it's dirty water on the ground splashing up. Mudguards are easily fitted and prevent any unwanted splashage muddying your clothes. They cost about £8 for clip-on ones and £20 for fixed-frame ones but try to make sure a new bike comes with them already fitted.
Pumps: Even if you never get a puncture – and with modern puncture-resistant tyres, punctures are far less common – your tyres will gradually leak air, needing to be pumped up every month or so. Pumps can be light and easy to transport – useful for commuting – or can be large and left at home – good for leisure cycling. They start at £4 and can be fitted to your bike, so it's always there when you need it.
Cycle First Aid Kit: These are not purchasable as such, but can be made up at home and carried with you when cycling. Cycle Aylesbury will be offering Bike Survival Kits as competition prizes in the near future, which can attach to the crossbar of your bike and will be packed with cycling essentials.
Clothing: Although seasonal changes mean varying temperatures and weather conditions, certain items of clothing can be useful in all situations. Modern fabrics help to keep cool in the summer and warm and dry in the winter. Hi-visibility clothing is recommended, to keep yourself safe, seen and comfortable. Sam Browne belts are good for being seen, and reflective slapwraps – available from Cycle Aylesbury for free – not only help you to be seen but prevent your trouser leg from being caught or dirtied in the chain.
Looking after your bike
You should learn the basics of cycle maintenance. Most of it is very easy to do yourself. Check regularly that your tyres, gears, chain, brakes and lights are in good working order.
We recommend that your cycle is serviced by a professionally trained cycle mechanic at least once a year, depending on usage.
The following retailers in Aylesbury offer cycle servicing. Services start at £25
Buckingham Bikes Workshop: 01296 481669 / www.buckinghambikes.co.uk
Halfords: 01296 399010 / www.halfords.com
Children and Cycling
Cycling is a great way to encourage children to exercise and increase their long-term health. Research also shows that children who cycle regularly are more confident and independent.
Teaching your child to ride a bike and going on family cycling trips are rewarding experiences for parents and children.
The sooner you put your child on a bike the better! As soon as a baby ca hold its head up unsupported it can be carried in a good quality bike seat. This is usually between 6 months and a year. It's a good idea to get your baby used to a bike seat as soon as possible, and you used to the extra wait.
The age at which you teach your child to cycle will vary, but it is usually between 4 and 7 years. Motivation and confidence is the key to learning.
For more information on cycle training and to book a professional instructor visit the cycle training page.