Bristol Family Cycling Centre

The Bristol Family Cycling Centre at Hengrove opened in Spring 2016.

It gives people of all ages and abilities the chance to ride in a traffic-free environment.

We have a range of balance bikes, two wheelers, and adapted cycles to help adults and children learn to ride and gain cycling confidence with cycling instructors on hand to help.

[Woman speaks] “It’s safe, they get a lot of help on the way round and feel more confident at the end of it. She wanted to show the helpers she could learn to ride a bike”

[Man speaks] “I brought my kids here, they were struggling to learn to cycle. My daughter picked it up and it’s my son’s turn today”

We have drop in, inclusive cycling session for users with physical disabilities and learning difficulties and their family and friends.

[Man riding a sit down bike speaks] “I’m going to see if I can get back on a two-wheeled bike”.

Our adapted cycles are used be people recovering from illnesses and injuries.

We have cycling instructors on hand to help and a Changing Places facility.

Why do you volunteer at the Family Cycling Centre?

[Male volunteer speaks] “It’s really cool. I’ve taught five people to ride now since being here in December”.

[Another male volunteer speaks] “I’ve been volunteering here for just over a year. I’ts justa  good atmosphere. Everyone is so friendly and it’s a good environment to be in”.

Our Social Cycle project is run by the Bristol Bike Project and our volunteer coaches and mechanics who work with young people from local schools.

They teach bike maintenance skills and introduce them to cycle sport boosting their self-confidence along the way.

[Young girl speaks] “I really felt happy, I learnt how to fix the brakes. I didn’t know how to do them before I came here”.

British Cycling coaches run courses at the centre, helping children (and adults) improve their bike handling skills.

Courses are suitable for novice cyclists to would-be racers.

Our trailer bikes let you exercise with your toddlers. We run dedicated trailers and tots sessions each week.

[Male speaks] “It’s not just about children with full mobility. It’s for adults and children of all abilities. We call it inclusive cycling. It’s about getting people in Bristol on bikes and enjoying bikes”.