Ladies who are members of Shropshire and Telford United Women’s Association (STUWA) had a wish, to learn to ride a bicycle.

Energize STW supported STUWA to apply for funding through Telford and Wrekin Council's Safer Stronger Communities team, connecting them in with Shropshire Cycle Hub to provide a Learn to Cycle - An Introduction to Cycling Course to the group of ladies wanting to be cyclists.  The lessons were held at Apley Wood Primary School in Telford using bikes kindly provided by the Shropshire Cycle Hub enabling 12 ladies to learn to ride.

The lessons included how to choose the correct bicycle, safety and maintenance and received some very positive feedback: “I really enjoyed the cycling and the get-together after the lessons" and "We got some really good information that can help us on our cycling journey.”  

The skills which the ladies now have mean they can feel confident about choosing their own bike, maintaining it and purchasing safety equipment themselves. Some of the ladies are now riding on their own bikes with their families and one lady is going to cycle to work. 

"One of my childhood wishes came true"

One lady said “I went out for the first time recently on my bike on a cycle path next to a road where I live.  It felt a bit scary at first.”

Another lady said “I’m so happy, cycling feels so amazing, and it was a big achievement for me.  Like one of my childhood wishes came true.  Now I can ride a bike confidently.”

The course has been so successful, that with support from Energize STW, they are planning to hold another course in the autumn. Another group member has said: “I will definitely be giving my all to attend the next sessions if I can get places for me and my daughter.  Everyone has been giving such positive feedback.”

The trainers from Learn to Cycle said: “These have been a wonderful few sessions, and the determination shown has been inspiring.  It’s amazing how well everyone has improved.”

One of the ladies said “it was if I was flying” and summed up the feeling from the group by saying “we can learn at any age if we have the support and opportunity that this group and organisers have provided for us.”  Throughout the course, friendships have been developed as well as a lot of laughter.

 "Now I can ride a bike confidently"