Cycle Training, Safety and Maintenance

Free cycle training is available to anybody who lives, works, or studies in Waltham Forest with our provider Cycling Instructor. Whether you are a complete beginner, have not cycled in years, or want to try cycling to work, Cycling Instructor can provide a session for you.

1 to 1 and family cycle training sessions can be booked directly with Cycling Instructor.

Cycling Instructor can be contacted by phone on 0845 652 0421 or email info@cyclinginstructor.com

All schools in Waltham Forest are able to receive Bikeability training. If you are interested in finding information about cycle training in your child's school please call 020 8496 3000 or email cycling@walthamforest.gov.uk

We offer free Dr Bike sessions where our experienced mechanics check everything on your bike from wheels, brakes, gears and tyre pressure to lights, racks, pedals, saddles and more. Any minor adjustments they can make to the bike they do there and then, and anything they can't fix on site they will let you know exactly what needs doing and a rough guide to what it should cost at a bike shop.

Dr Bike sessions will be returning in late July 2024.

If you would like to suggest a location for an upcoming Dr Bike session, please email cycling@walthamforest.gov.uk

We work with Bikeworks to provide weekly All Ability Cycling Clubs. Following feedback from participants, sessions will now take place every Saturday alternating between Leyton Jubilee Park and Higham Hill Park between 10am and 12pm.

All equipment is provided and Bikeworks have a range of cycles including hand cycles, side by side cycles, recumbents and relaxed tricycles.

Please visit the Bikeworks website to find out the dates and locations of our next All Ability Cycling Club sessions. For further information, email cycling@walthamforest.gov.uk.

We offer free Safer Urban Driving training courses which have been designed for HGV (Heavy Good Vehicles) drivers to promote the safety and sharing of roads with vulnerable road users, with a focus on cyclists. Drivers participating in this course counts towards The Freight Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS).

If your company is interested in participating please email roadsafety@walthamforest.gov.uk.

Waltham Forest provides regular free maintenance courses for residents and those who work and study in the borough. Each course typically lasts one day, and participants receive training on how to fix their cycles, repair simple punctures, maintain their chains, and check their brakes. 

Sessions will be returning in Autumn 2024.

When crossing the road, try to use the safest place such as:

• Zebra Crossings
• Toucan Crossings
• Traffic Lights

Be aware of other road users at all times.  Remember HGV (Heavy Good Vehicles) have blind spots where you cannot always be seen.  Be aware of buses pulling in and out at bus stops and be alert as you cannot predict what other road users are going to do.

Keep up to date with your knowledge of the Highway Code and follow its advice.

At night your bicycle must have a working:

• White front light
• Red rear light
• Red reflector

Check them regularly to make sure they’re clean and working.

It’s difficult to see someone who is wearing darker clothing when the weather is wet and grey. It’s important to make yourself more visible to other road users during the darker days and at night. When its dark fluorescent colours are less effective, but white or light colours are easier to spot. Reflective material is most effective when it’s dark, as it reflects the light from vehicle headlights or streetlights.

• Bikeability parent’s handbook – advice on cycling with children
• THINK! education resources
• Brake Zebras
• Road Safety GB
• London Road Safety Council
• Cycle Confident – activities for children
• Highway Code

If you would like any further information or advice on road safety in Waltham Forest, please email roadsafety@walthamforest.gov.uk