Cycling’s a piece of cake thanks to York Bike Belles

Cycling’s a great way to get into shape for everyone, not least people recovering from cancer treatment.

The only trouble is, it can feel a bit scary to take to the roads if you’re a beginner or if it’s been years since you were last on two wheels.

Thankfully, there’s a York-based group that understands exactly how you might be feeling and its members have  started a FREE, friendly, four-week programme of flexible support to people in York who are interested in taking up cycling.

York Bike Belles is behind the Cake Confidence project, which is aimed especially at older women with health concerns, easing them into the saddle with an introductory session which they hope will take place (coronavirus permitting) over cake at a local cycle shop and café, Cycle Heaven in Fulford.

The session takes place on the last Saturday of each month and includes meeting the organisers, drawing up a personalised cycling plan, borrowing a bike if necessary and some basic cycling training.

Four weeks of cycling support activities follow, tailored to your individual goals. The activities might be anything from further training to personal practice, buddying or joining an easy social ride. There’s even motivational support from Amy, Cake Confidence’s co-ordinator.

Then the Cake Confidence team will review your progress, celebrating your success and either booking you on for a further month, signposting you to other support or welcoming you as an independent cyclist.

Over the last three years Cake Confidence has worked with 435 newbie cyclists, with more than nine out of 10 of them saying they started cycling or cycled more often after the support programme.

The bikes available through Cake Confidence have kindly been donated by Cycle Heaven. They include Ridgeback town and hybrid bikes, top-of-the-range Gazelle Dutch bikes and even high-quality electric bikes, all complete with locks and panniers.

Borrowers need to sign a bike hire agreement and pay a £20 returnable deposit. The programme follows current COVID-19 precautions at all times and hopes its participants will do likewise.

Spaces are available on the four-week programme, which is funded by Sport England and is starting on or around Saturday September 26.

Organisers say they would be delighted to hear from people recovering from cancer who would like to try the programme to help them take up cycling. Please inquire by emailing http://yorkbikebelles@gmail.com.

Picture by kind permission of York Bike Belles CIC/Olivia Brabbs Photography