Get on your bike to save pounds

According to a local cycling co-operative, biking is taking off in the area as more and more people turn from four wheels to two.

Pedal Ready says that even before the success of the Tour de France and the Olympic Games, more and more people were starting to realise the benefits of cycling.

Cycling not only improves health and fitness levels but also helps with weight loss. And switching from the car or bus on short everyday trips can save anything from £500 to £800 a year.

This summer Pedal Ready is working in Rotherham to help more people start cycling, with free sessions funded by Rotherham Council.

Coun Gerald Smith, Cabinet member for regeneration and development for Rotherham Council, urged people to take advantage of the free courses.

“Whether you are young or old, a novice or experienced cyclist, everyone can gain from cycling,” he said.

“We might not have the stamina or skill of Bradley Wiggins, but cycling is not only great fun but is also a great way to keep fit as well as save money.”

Family and friends can get together and book a bespoke session for the whole group or one to one sessions are also available.

The training will include route finding, bike maintenance, traffic taming tips, cycling and road safety skills, and guided rides.

Cycling confidence and learn to ride courses are taking place on Herringthorpe Playing Fields, Clifton Park and the Lifewise Centre at Hellaby. They are easy-going cycling sessions at a gentle pace to help people gain confidence on a bike, or even learn to ride and bikes are provided.

Dr Bike will be available to check cycles and make basic adjustments and repairs at sessions in both Clifton Park and at Riverside House. Friendly bike doctors will give advice on more major problems.

Commuter skills and teenager traffic taming sessions offer advanced National Standard cycle training on the road to help people get around and improve their confidence. These are good courses for would-be cycle commuters or teenagers on their way to college or university.

Cycling explorers are fun family cycling sessions geared to exploring local areas by bike, learning traffic taming, road craft and basic maintenance tips as well as improving cycling confidence and safety.

Various half day sessions are currently being held at Dinnington Comprehensive School and the Lifewise Centre, Hellaby.

To find out more or book any of the free sessions contact Pedal Ready on 0114 2412775, email [email protected] or visit www.pedalready.co.uk.