David: the 40 year old who went from non-rider to cyclist in 15 minutes

Cycling UK's Cycling Development Officer for West Yorkshire Ginny Leonard was contacted by David Hall in the summer of 2012 because he had never had the opportunity to learn to ride a bike. Being over the age of 40, David told Ginny he lacked confidence in his ability to ride a bike and after he had taken a tumble; he thought he never would ride a bike. However, with support from Cycling UK, David decided to give cycling one more go.

Ginny explained that the go:cycling project offered free cycle training to adults in West Yorkshire, so David jumped at the chance for some one-to-one tuition from experienced, qualified cycle instructors.

For the first lesson Dave brought his own bike to work and the instructor met him during his lunch break. They went to a quiet secluded spot and started their lesson.

David wanted to learn how to ride his bike and conquer his fear so he could be more independent from his car, and perhaps even get to the point where he could cycle to work.

Ginny Leonard explained: "The way we teach people to ride means that everyone should be able to cycle and David was no exception. Within 15 minutes he was riding unaided round the car park! It was absolutely incredible, everyone was smiling."

That night David went out for a ride on his own and covered six miles on his first 'proper' bike ride. He sent an e-mail the following morning. 

I cannot begin to describe how grateful I am to you. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would do what I did. Although it may seem small to some, for me it was reaching a mountain top!

David Hall

Since then, David's cycling has gone from strength to strength and he is now planning to ride 170 miles from Morecambe to Bridlington on the Way of The Roses route.

Free Adult Cycle Training

go:cycling was an Local Sustainable Transport Fund-funded project in West Yorkshire that offered free adult cycle training, free learn to ride sessions, free bike maintenance courses and drop in sessions. Free cycle training was available until 2015.

The training was facilitated by Cycling UK Cycling Development Officer Ginny Leonard and all training was delivered by experienced, qualified cycle instructors.

Whether you want to get fit, ride to work or go out riding with the kids, Cycling UK can support you. To find out more information email Ginny Leonard.