British Triathlon, working alongside community champions, has provided children in Nottingham free bike lessons. Kids were also able to get their bikes repaired for free thanks to additional support from Women in Tandem.

The initiative is part of British Triathlon’s commitment to get more people active through the three sports making up triathlon – swim, bike, run.

The free bike lessons took place at King Edwards Park in Sneinton and gave children the opportunity to ride a bike and develop their skills and confidence in a safe environment.

Evelyn, aged 8, attended the bike club and it was her first experience riding a bike.

Her mum, Chantal, said: “It was great for Evelyn, she really enjoyed the sessions and went from never having ridden a bike to being able to cycle on her own. She was also able to take home a bike on loan to help her practice her new-found skills.”

The bike she took home had been serviced by the Women in Tandem team, who also delivered a Dr Bike session at the park which was open to everyone. This session gave local people access to free bike servicing and repairs, helping them get their bikes back in a safe condition as well as providing them with advice on how to continue to look after their own bikes.

Lily from Women in Tandem, said: “We fixed the bikes up that are now being used to teach the kids to ride through the bike club. Alongside this we offered the Dr Bike session. This is a pop-up session in community spaces and offering free bike repairs. It was busy and we got a lot of bikes ready to ride again.”

Sarah Williams, British Triathlon East Midlands Regional Manager, added: “The sessions went great. We had quite a few people come along to the Dr Bike session – and we helped get their bikes back to a safe condition, which a lot of people weren't able to do on their own.

“The Bike Club were fully booked, showing the need for the sessions in the area. It was unbelievable to see so many kids smiling and having fun while learning to ride a bike. Some of them had never been on a bike before so it was good to provide them with that opportunity. For those that had maybe learnt to ride on a friend's bike or at school, we were able to help them build confidence and develop their skills.

“We had a lot of support and I'm grateful for Women in Tandem’s support as well as The Renewal Trust and Nottingham City Council Health and Wellbeing Community Champions who helped make this project possible.”

The bike sessions currently run at Brendon Lawrence Sports Centre. Click here to book.