Rusty Riders: Adult cycle training scheme continues to grow

BOOSTING CONFIDENCE: Councillor Mark Ieronimo and Rebecca Rose, a Rusty Riders instructor

By Simon Bristow, Co-Editor

A free cycle training programme for adults has seen its third year of growth.

‘Rusty Riders’ is a refresher course for people who want to brush up on their cycling skills and is available to Hull residents for free. The programme is funded by Hull City Council and delivered by qualified local instructors.

Weekly sessions take place at various locations including East Park, Pearson Park and Hull History Centre.

The two-and-a-half-hour sessions are designed to refresh the skills of adults returning to cycling by preparing them to cycle safely and confidently on Hull’s roads.

In 2025/2026, 95 people participated in the programme – up from 81 in 2024/2025 and 29 in 2023/2024. The programme has also seen a steady year-on-year increase in female participants as well as more people over 50.

Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transport and infrastructure at the council, said: “For many people, the biggest barrier to getting back on a bike is simply confidence. Rusty Riders gives people a safe and informal way to refresh their skills and build that confidence again.

“It’s encouraging to see participation continuing to grow. Whether people want to cycle for leisure, make short local journeys or commute to work, we want to make it easier for them to get back in the saddle.

“That means giving people the skills and confidence they need, alongside investing in better infrastructure and practical support such as our new city cycle map.”

At the start of each Rusty Riders session, the instructor will speak to those taking part to understand each person’s level of experience and confidence. This enables them to tailor the session and provide the most useful experience for all those taking part.

Sessions will demonstrate a mix of cycling and scenarios, including riding on the road (side roads, main roads and junctions) as well as off-road to highlight cycling infrastructure in the city that can be used for leisure rides and commuting.

Places for sessions in 2026/2027 continue to be in high demand.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own cycle, hi-vis and helmet once you they booked, but safety equipment and cycles can be provided on request.

Find a session near you and reserve your place at: Rusty Riders – Travel Hull.

Businesses or organisations interested in hosting an event for their staff can call (01482) 218753 to discuss requirements.