Get on your bike with free cycling sessions across South Somerset

Released On 3rd Jun 2018

Adults across South Somerset are being encouraged to take part in free cycling sessions that will help get people back on their bikes and feel healthier.

South Somerset District Council (SSDC) is part of the Yeovil Wellbeing Alliance (YWA) who are keen to improve the activity offer in Yeovil.

At a recent YWA meeting, cycling was suggested to get more people active in the town. SSDC's Healthy Lifestyles Team in Partnership with voluntary sector support charity Spark committed to arrange Cycle Leader training to enable cycle groups to start in towns and villages across the district.

Nine volunteers attended the training session from towns and villages including Langport, Martock, Mudford, Somerton and Yeovil.

The training was part-funded by Magna Housing and Liverty in the hope that many of their residents will be involved in future free cycling sessions to get more active.

Councillor Sylvia Seal, Portfolio Holder for Leisure & Culture at South Somerset District Council said, "These sessions are aimed at people who might not have the confidence to cycle on their own, so they are a great way to interact with other like-minded people and boost your confidence whilst also exploring South Somerset. All you need is a bike in good working order and a helmet".

Organised rides in Yeovil have been taking place for several weeks but will now benefit from a fully trained volunteer. The rides in Yeovil are called Start to Cycle and more information can be found on the Start To Cycle Facebook group.

Matt Day, Health & Wellbeing Lead for SPARK, said "The Cycle Leader training will facilitate more guided rides across the District, and it was great to see on the Start to Cycle rides that many participants were returning cyclists, some who hadn't cycled for years. This is the kind of gap in provision that the Yeovil Wellbeing Alliance can address."

You can find out more information about the Start To Cycle sessions by contacting SSDC's Community Health and Leisure team by emailing active@southsomerset.gov.uk or by calling 01935 462346.

Above: Volunteers from towns and villages including Langport, Martock, Mudford, Somerton and Yeovil attended a Cycle Leader training session which will enable cycle groups to start in towns and villages across the district