Progress from ‘Wobble to Road’ with Free Confidence-building Course
Merthyr Tydfil residents who want to take up cycling but aren’t confident on the road are being taught cycling skills in a free eight-week course.
The success of a pilot ‘Wobble to Road’ project, in which seven people progressed from cycling around a school athletics track to a 20-mile road ride, has resulted in joint organisers Active Merthyr and Merthyr Triathlon Club planning a second course this September.
Active Merthyr Community Sports Co-ordinator Jennifer Evans said, “This course is aimed at anyone wanting to get back in the saddle and develop confidence in cycling in a safe manner. We also want to get more people cycling in Merthyr and using our great network of trails and the roads around them.
“Some members of the first course are now going on to become leaders themselves and help others to become confident bike riders too.”
The second course, again taking place at Afon Taf High School, starts on Sunday, September 8 at 9.30am. All sessions take place on Sundays and bikes are available for people who don’t have a bike of their own.
Merthyr Triathlon Club Chair Justin Smith said, “Having coached the first ‘Wobble to Road’ group, I can’t believe how enthusiastic and willing they were to learn. They all successfully met the goal of a 20-mile bike ride with confidence.
“It’s also great to see that many of the group have continued to ride and even bought new road bikes.”
For details of the next course contact Activemerthyrtydfil@Merthyr.gov.uk or merthyrtriclub@gmail.com