Cycling
What is it?     What you need     Getting started     Find out more

 

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What is it?

  • There are a wide range of activities based on the bicycle, ranging from casual riding for pleasure to road racing, time trials and BMX.  

  • More details can be obtained from the various specialist organisations listed below.  

  • Like jogging, cycling is often done as an informal form of exercise.   

  • Most cycling is on general roads and tracks but the more formal activities involve special tracks and facilities.

Find out more

Organisations

Bicycle Polo Association of GB  0208 656 9724
British Cycling Federation  www.bcf.uk.com/ 
British Cycling Federation Cycling Speedway Commission  01508 493880
British Cyclo-Cross Association  www.cyclo-cross.co.uk/ 
Cyclists Touring Club  www.ctc.org.uk/ 
Mountain Biking Information for the UK  www.bikinguk.net/ 
Road Time Trials Council  www.rttc.org.uk/ 
UK Mountain Bikers' Webring  www.knarly.free-online.co.uk/ukmtbring.html 
UK Mountain Bikes Resources  www.sussex.ac.uk/Users/nealet/bikes.html

For a guide to resources available for different activities, see the US site www.biking.com 

 

Magazines
British Cycling 
CT & C (Cycle Touring & Campaigning) 
Cycling Today 
Cycling Weekly 
MBR (Mountain Bike Rider) 
Mountain Biker International 
Mountain Biking UK 
Ride BMX Magazine 
Total Mountain Bike 

 

Getting started

  • Find a local cycling group or club (see organisations above).

  • See if your local group has introductory sessions or other special events.

  • Consult books or magazines on different types of cycling.

  • Check in your local library/paper or sports centre for more information.

What you need

Skills and people
  • It is easy to learn how to handle a bike and the degree of energy and effort required can vary greatly.  So cycling is an activity suited to people of all ages and abilities and both sexes.

  • You can cycle on your own and at times of your own choosing.  But some people like to join a cycling club or group for the company and stimulus when riding and afterwards.  

  • It is better if the people you cycle with are have roughly the same degree of physical fitness and energy as yourself.

  • Most of the more formal types of cycling are done as part of a club.  

Equipment or clothing
  • A cycle is obviously essential equipment, and they can range widely in quality and cost.  

  • Special cycles are designed for different types of racing and all terrain or mountain bikes with a large number of gears are a recent development.  

  • Serious cyclists may wear special clothing and shoes.

A place or facilities
  • No special facilities are needed for cycling though it is often desirable to find cycle paths or trails away from the more crowded roads.  

  • A national network of cycle routes is currently being set up.  

  • Special facilities for speed cycling and the like are usually found in some larger sports centres.

Have a go - get started now

 

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