Manchester Bicycle

Get your child riding this summer! Book at www.Manchesterbicycle.co.uk and help develop their confidence. Many children will learn in just one hour. Lessons are taught in Didsbury M20

Learn to Ride a bike sessions are now available! www.manchesterbicycle.co.uk 🚴 Get your child cycling this spring!

Exploring 5 of Manchester's Canal Towpaths. Manchester, a city renowned for its industrial heritage and vibrant culture, offers an array of scenic cycling routes along its canal towpaths. These paths, once vital arteries of trade during the Industrial Revolution, now provide cyclists with picturesque journeys. View routes on Sustrans' map on OS maps website: https://explore.osmaps.com/ (select National Cycle Network layer)

1. Bridgewater Canal: Embark on a journey along the historic Bridgewater Canal, often referred to as the birthplace of the modern canal system. Beginning at Castlefield Basin in Manchester city centre, cyclists can follow the towpath southwestward, passing through picturesque suburbs and leafy green spaces. Check out the stunning architecture of Worsley. Continue along the towpath to explore the tranquil countryside of Cheshire, dotted with quaint villages and charming pubs.

2. Rochdale Canal: For a more urban adventure, cyclists can traverse the Rochdale Canal, which cuts through the heart of Manchester. Starting at Castlefield, pedal northeastward along the towpath, passing iconic landmarks such as the vibrant Northern Quarter and Ancoats, known for its thriving food and arts scene. As the cityscape gives way to greenery, cyclists will encounter tranquil stretches of water flanked by lush foliage.

3. Ashton Canal: Experience the industrial heritage of Manchester on the Ashton Canal, which winds its way through the city's eastern outskirts. Setting off from Piccadilly Basin, cyclists can follow the towpath eastward, passing beneath towering viaducts and through atmospheric tunnels. Pause to admire the architectural marvel of Portland Basin Museum in Ashton-under-Lyne

4. Peak Forest Canal: For a challenging yet rewarding ride, cyclists can tackle the Peak Forest Canal, which extends from Ashton-under-Lyne to the picturesque town of Whaley Bridge in the Peak District. Setting out from Portland Basin, follow the towpath eastward as it climbs steadily through the rugged terrain of the Pennines.

5. Leeds and Liverpool Canal: Venture beyond Manchester to explore the scenic delights of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, Britain's longest inland waterway. Cyclists can join the towpath in nearby Wigan and journey westward, passing through charming towns and villages steeped in history.

The Fallowfield Loop cycling path in Manchester is a fun, scenic and convenient route for cummuters stretching approximately 8 miles through the diverse city landscapes! Originally a railway line connecting Manchester's suburbs, the Fallowfield Loop was transformed into a dedicated cycling and walking path in the late 20th century. Today, it serves as a vital artery for commuters and leisure cyclists alike, providing a safe and car-free corridor for those navigating the city's bustling streets.

Ride between Chorlton, Withington, Fallowfield, Levenshulme and all the way to Gorton Reservoir.

Cyclists embarking on the Fallowfield Loop are treated to a journey that encapsulates Manchester's rich history and natural beauty. From the vibrant graffiti adorning the walls of the path's underpasses to the tranquil meadows and wooded areas, the route offers a dynamic blend of urban grit and rural serenity. Along the way, cyclists can discover hidden gems such as the beautiful Highfield Country Park and the intriguing Phillips Park Sculpture Trail, adding layers of cultural and artistic significance to their ride.

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Fallowfield Loop cycling path also plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable transportation and community engagement. By providing a safe and accessible route for cyclists of all ages and abilities, the path encourages healthier lifestyles and reduces traffic congestion and carbon emissions in the city. Moreover, it fosters a sense of belonging and camaraderie among residents, with cyclists often exchanging greetings and sharing stories as they traverse this iconic Manchester thoroughfare. Whether for leisurely weekend rides, daily commutes, or simply a breath of fresh air amidst the urban hustle, the Fallowfield Loop remains an indispensable asset to Manchester's cycling community.

Bike insurance - do you need it!? Which type do you have? We often form a strong attachment to our bikes and it’s nice to get covered so you can replace your bike if you happen to find it’s been stolen.
🚴Choosing insurance
To insure your bicycle and accessories for theft, events, accidental damage, and travel, you have a few options. These include home insurance with extra cover for your bikes or a stand- alone or bicycle-only policy.
Insurance for a stand-alone policy will start from around £50+ per year for a stand-alone policy. We did a quote for a £1000 bike, injury, third party cover and legal assistance for about £80 per year.
Factors to consider
How to choose the right cover. Cost will be a factor, but makes sure you have the extras you want.
🚴Consider joining Cycling UK
🚴Bike cover (new/old)
Will you get a like-for-like offer or the value of a new bike?.
🚴Excess
The amount you’ll have to pay to activate a claim. This might be around £50-100 (higher excess will reduce the total price.
🚴Locking your bike
Check for whether they specify certain types of lock. Many will insist you have a "gold" standard lock.
🚴Public Liability and third party
You could be deemed liable for accidentally injuring someone or damaging property whilst cycling. You may want to be covered for this.
🚴Legal cover
Support may be provided for pursuing a civil claim following a road accident involving the insured Bicycle and insured person. Also included is access 24 hours a day 365 days a year to The Legal Claims Notification & Advice Helpline Service.
🚴Personal accident
An insure could pay out if you have a collision with an amount based on the severity of your injuries.
E.g. £10000-50000 for permanent disablement resulting from a collision
🚴Loss of earnings
Financial support if you’re injured whilst cycling and unable to work.
🚴Home insurance
Speak to your home insurer. You may be able to add your bicycle to your home insurance policy or sometimes it may be covered automatically (you’ll need to check). Be aware that there may be a fairly low limit on the value of the bike.
If you rent or don’t own a home, or if you have an expensive bike, a stand-alone bicycle insurance might be best.
🚴Check if your bike will be covered away from home, rather than just in the house/garage/shed.
🚴Home insurance examples
Pedal Cover have designed a policy with their underwriter NIG (part of the Direct Line Group) to provide extended cover for cyclists. Along with buildings and contents cover, your bicycles will be covered away from home for theft and damage, even if you are taking them on holiday or participating in cycling events.
🚴Examples and prices
Prices will vary widely depending on the cost of the bike, address and level of cover or extras. We found a stand-alone quote for £80 per year for a £1000 bike with legal cover, injury compensation and third party/public liability.
🚴Yellow Jersey
Their ‘Essentials’ package will cover theft, accidental damage and personal accident while riding in the UK. Their ‘Performance’ package extends cover to Europe and while riding in cycling events. And their ‘Ultimate pedal cycle insurance’ package will cover your bikes worldwide, and even while racing.
🚴Stand-alone insurance examples
Cycle Plan
“If your bike is stolen, and it was bought new and is less than 3 years old, we’ll replace it with a brand new bike.”
Cycle Guard
Our insurance has been designed to suit a wide variety of cyclists whose interests span a range of disciplines. From those who love the thrill of downhill, to daily commuters and eBike riders, our straightforward policy means you can have the cover you need to cycle with confidence.🚴🚴🚴

🚴1-to-1 cycling lessons to help your child learn to ride! www.manchesterbicycle.co.uk
Lessons are in Fog Lane Park, Didsbury. We can get your child cycling, usually in one or two sessions. Lessons are one hour long and taught by an experienced friendly instructor!

Book in a Learn to Ride session to get the kids cycling! Sessions can be booked here: www.bikebristol.as.me/ManchesterBicycle Upcoming dates at LONGFORD PARK, Chorlton, include 15th July and 27th August. Lessons are1-to-1 sessions so around 60-70% learning to cycle in their first hour. A bike and helmet is required. See more at http://www.manchesterbicycle.co.uk/

8 Top Tips to get your child cycling!
⭐ Make it fun and rewarding by giving lots of positive feedback even for simple things like sitting on the bike

⭐ Start by asking them to walk around using their feet to get used to the bike

⭐ Create a relaxed environment where there is no pressure to succeed immediately (this can take several hours, weeks or months so patience is key)

⭐Have lots of breaks for water and snacks!

⭐Use a balance bike or take the pedals off to start practicing balance.

⭐Go to a place where other children are cycling so they can see ‘it's normal'

⭐A lightweight bike is key: a heavy bike can really make it tricky for them to hold it upright and the balance becomes harder.

⭐Book a cycling lesson: by using an experienced instructor, they can benefit from the best techniques to get them riding. Having someone neutral helps to remove any relationship barriers or behavior issues that may exist between the parent and child (this is very typical!). Book at www.bikebristol.as.me/ManchesterBicycle

🎉🚴Get the kids cycling this summer with a Learn to Ride lesson on 15th July. Book at www.bikebristol.as.me/Manchesterbicycle - Learn to Ride sessions are 1-to-1 and often we'll get them pedalling in an hour. Lessons are in Longford Park, Chorlton. See more at www.manchesterbicycle.co.uk