At the University of Sussex, we are always looking for ways to make sustainable travel easier and more accessible for everyone. While cycling is one of the most affordable, healthy, and environmentally friendly ways to travel, one of the biggest barriers is also one of the simplest: not everyone knows how to ride a bike.

This summer throughout July and August, we piloted a 4-week beginner cycling course to help staff members who had never cycled before, or who hadn’t been on a bike for years, gain the skills and confidence to ride.

Learning Together

Once a week, a small group of women met for afternoon sessions, beginning with the basics of balance and control before progressing to pedalling, turning, and eventually riding independently. Each week was a step forward, and it was inspiring to see how quickly their confidence grew and how they supported each other.

By the end of the course, every participant was able to cycle independently, which is a huge achievement for people who, just weeks before, had thought cycling wasn’t for them.

What Participants Said

Feedback from the group has been overwhelmingly positive. Here is Tasha's feedback:

‘I did the cycling course with Monika and it was amazing. I gained so much confidence about cycling and it was done at a pace that suited me. I felt really encouraged. I learnt a lot about how to signal on a bike, about turning, and about cycling skills in general. I had found it difficult finding a course like this as an adult. I met some really wonderful people who I’ve stayed in touch with. It’s given me confidence in other areas as well now too. I really looked forward to it every week, it was exercise, fun, spending time with great people. I really encourage anyone else who is considering it to do it!’

Why It Matters

Helping more people to cycle supports both our community and our planet:

• Cycling reduces reliance on cars and helps cut carbon emissions.
• It provides a healthy, active way to travel.
• It builds confidence, independence, and connection across campus.

By giving staff and students the opportunity to learn from scratch, we are breaking down one of the key barriers to active travel.

What’s Next

Given the success of this first course, we’re exploring opportunities to run similar sessions in the future. Our hope is to support more members of the Sussex community in making the switch to cycling, whether for commuting to campus or simply for the joy of riding a bike. We will be organising social bike rides too with Bike Shack and that will be an opportunity to practice after the course.

Get Involved

Interested in joining a future cycling course, or want to find out more about cycling initiatives at Sussex? Come and visit us at Pedal Point @the Travel Hub (Arches at the Student centre) and/or get in touch with Monika in the Sustainability Team at m.farkas@sussex.ac.uk.

You can aso follow the Pedal Point and the Bike Shack on Instagram.