CYCLING

Cycling can fit into your daily life better than many other forms of exercise because it doubles up as transport to work, the shops, or school; saving you money, helping the environment, and keeping you fit - all at once!

Follow the useful links section on this page to access all the resources you need to plan a cycle journey.

BENEFITS OF CYCLING

According to Cyclescheme, switching to two wheels instead of four could save you up to £3,000 a year. You’ll avoid the costs of running a car – fuel, insurance, maintenance and more – and you might decide that cycling means you no longer need a gym membership.

Cycling is a low-impact exercise and easier on your joints than running or high-impact aerobic activities. NHS research has shown that cycling can improve levels of concentration and alertness, more so than driving, as cycling releases endorphins which boost your energy levels.

And if this wasn’t enough, people who cycle in mid-adulthood enjoy a level of fitness equivalent to someone 10 years younger! There is more information on the health benefits of cycling on the Cycling UK website.

E-bikes can be good for those wanting to use a bike but find it too strenuous particularly in hilly areas. Power-assisted pedalling helps you maintain a good speed with minimal effort.

THE STOCKTON-ON-TEES ACTIVE TRAVEL HUB

The Hub is Stockton-on-Tees’s active travel centre, located in Stockton town centre (147 High Street, TS18 1PL). The Hub is open Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 5:30 pm and is on hand whether you’re wondering where to go walking, baffled by which bike to buy, or considering changing your commute.

The Active Travel Hub has a range of information to support those wishing to cycle including free secure parking on Stockton High Street during opening hours, bike maintenance sessions, route planning tools and guided bike rides. As detailed in the sections below.

Free Ride Routes

The Hubs Hub’s Ride Route Library offers great suggestions of where to go for a leisurely bike ride, including:

• Traffic-free rides – great for beginners or children. These routes keep you completely away from traffic.

• Short rides –ideal if you’re brand new to cycling and want to start small, or you’re in a rush and need to pack a nice ride into 30 minutes (under 5 miles / 45 minutes).

• Medium rides – to help you explore new parts of the Borough one journey at a time, whilst avoiding busy roads and junctions. (5-7 miles / 45 minutes – 1 hour).

• Longer rides – a great way to stay fit and explore more of your local area, with some nice opportunities to stop for a break in between (over 7 miles / 1 hour).

  Click here to access a map containing a handful of commuter and leisurely rides that centre around Northshore!

BIKE MOTs

The Hub offers free bicycle “MOT” service every Thursday, which includes:

1.     A full check of the bicycle making sure that all parts are safe and working properly.

2.     Brake and gear adjustments.

3.    A check of the condition of the bike and a detailed report on what may need replacing either urgently or in the future.

You don’t need to book, just drop your bike off at the Hub any Thursday between 8:30 am – 11:00 am, and it’ll be ready to collect in the afternoon.

 Please note: The Hub will not replace any bits, or install new parts onto your bike. If your bike needs further work, they will give you some advice and tell you about the local bike shops available.

FREE MAINTENANCE COURSES

The Hub also run FREE 1/2 day bike maintenance classes for anyone keen to learn the basics of fixing their bicycle. Sessions run on a Wednesday (9:30 – 12:30 pm) and require booking in advance. For more information on what the courses included, and upcoming dates visit here.

VOLUNTEER AT THE HUB

The Hub are always lookout for volunteer riders to help lead the way and support these new cyclists. If you are a keen and competent cyclist, enjoy meeting and helping new people, and can give instructions and work in a team, then you would be perfect for the role. You will also be provided with your own comprehensive training and guidance allowing you to support with confidence.

For more information email stocktonactivetravel@sustrans.org.uk or visit https://thehubstockton.com/volunteering/

CYCLE TRAINING

If you would like to start cycling but are not feeling confident The Stockton-on-Tees Active Travel Hub have expert cycling instructors that can help you build the skills and confidence to cycle on roads. The Instructors have years of experience teaching people of all ages and abilities to cycle safely on roads. They can deliver a relaxed and friendly session tailored to your own ability, covering paper-based theory and practical cycling guidance on quiet roads.

The Hub offer weekly guided bike rides across Stockton-on-Tees, a beginners ride on Wednesdays and a longer ride on Mondays, as follows:

• Monday 10 am Intermediate, slightly longer ride (10-16 miles) from The Hub.

• Wednesday 10 am Beginner, a series of short rides (5-10 miles) from the Hub.

If you don’t have a bike, the Hub have bikes and helmets you can borrow for the ride free of charge.

Want to cycle on-road but lack confidence? The Hub has expert cycling instructors that can help you build the skills and confidence you need to happily cycle on roads. Click here for more information.

Several providers around Northshore are also registered with Bikeability, a national cycle training programme aimed at teaching both adults and children cycling proficiency on roads.

The below Bikeability providers deliver Bikeability training in your area and fit with your requirements, either through scheduled courses or in response to individual requests.

• RideWise

• Stockton Borough Council (Telephone: 01642 393939)

• Wheel Education Ltd

If you’re looking for cycle training for your child, contact your school to find out when their next Bikeability course will take place.

You can also find some helpful tips online to set you on the road to a successful cycling life.

KEEP YOUR BIKE SAFE

To keep your bike safe when you’re out and about, register your bike online at bikeregister.com, the national cycle database that deters thieves and helps the police reunite stolen bikes with their owners.

USEFUL LINKS