With summer arriving, Hull City Council will be hosting a series of free training and guided ride sessions around the city to help people learn the necessary skills, boost their confidence and encourage them to cycle more.
The series, called ‘City Explorer’, will be delivered by qualified instructors from the council’s contractor, First Step Cycle.
To celebrate Bike Week – which takes place from Monday 9 to Sunday 15 June – two trial events for the series will be held at West Park, on Saturday 14 June, and East Park, on Sunday 15 June.
Each day will feature two sessions.
The first session – Become City Explorer Ready: Beginner Off-Road Cycle Training – will run from 9.30-10.45am.
This beginner-friendly, off-road cycling session is designed to help participants ride, with the aim of becoming a City Explorer.
Set in safe environments, the session builds essential cycling skills and helps participants gain the confidence and control needed before tackling city routes.
They are aimed at adults (18+) who are new to cycling or still developing confidence and control on their bike, with the aim of:
- teaching fundamental bike handling skills in a fun, supportive setting
- improving balance, braking, steering and basic gear use
- introducing riders to off-road terrain, including parks and light trails
- building confidence for more advanced cycling sessions
- encouraging a love for outdoor activity and physical confidence.
Each session will include:
- safety checks: helmets, bikes and personal readiness
- warm-up games to build confidence on the bike
- skills training: stopping, starting, cornering and riding over varied terrain
- fun, trail-based challenges and mini adventure rides
- a debrief and encouragement for next steps in cycling progression.
Participants must bring a roadworthy bike and helmet (or use provided equipment) as well as wear comfortable clothing, suitable for outdoor activity.
The second session – City Explorer – runs from 11am-12.30pm.
This is an exciting, guided cycling experience designed to help participants build confidence while navigating real road environments.
It combines safe travel habits and independent cycling by:
- developing practical road cycling skills in real city environments
- promoting awareness of cycling infrastructure (cycle lanes, crossings, signage)
- encouraging active travel as a healthy, sustainable mode of transport
- supporting teamwork, independence and confidence.
Each session will include:
- a safety briefing and route overview
- a group ride through planned city routes
- practical road skills: signalling, navigating junctions, and group cycling etiquette.
Participants must bring a roadworthy bike and helmet (or equipment can be provided, on request). High-visibility vests are provided during the session.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure at Hull City Council, said: “The council is delighted to be working in partnership with First Step Cycle to deliver the City Explorer series over the summer and that we can trial these during Bike Week – the UK’s biggest celebration of cycling.
“Those attending these initial sessions will help us shape the kind of experience that people will find most useful in supporting them to choose cycling, whether it be for leisure, to run local errands or for their daily commute.”
Louis Kirk, business development director at First Step Sports Group, said: “Our beginner off-road cycle training is the perfect first step for any less confident cyclist. It builds the core skills and confidence they need in a fun, safe environment – so when it’s time to explore the city, they’re more than ready.”
Book a place on the session of your choice.
If you require a cycle or equipment for one of the sessions, call (01482) 249066 or email: Gabriel@firststep-sports.co.uk
