Cycling in Sheffield – A newcomer’s guide

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There are a few useful things to know about cycling in Sheffield. Routes, training bike shops.

Free Training

Everyone can get free 1 to 1 training from Pedal Ready, no catch! They’ll teach you how to ride on the road, give you route advice and anything else you might need. Just give them a call/email and they’ll set a date for your training. I’d really recommend these courses – this is one of the best ways to get introduced to cycling in Sheffield.

Sheffield Cycle MapMaps

You can download the official Sheffield cycle map from the council here, or get a paper copy at the tourist information or central library. You can also get an online map from OpenCycleMap or use CycleStreets to get route directions (they have iPhone/Android apps too).

 

 

Bike Maintenance

Dr Bike LogoThe Dr Bike people will check your bike over for free and adjust the brakes and gears for free if needed. They’ll let you know if any extra work needs doing.

They run drop-in sessions around the city for both the public and companies.

Sheffield University has a dedicated bike hut that is open on Tuesday and Thursday somewhere on the University campus, they will do much the same work for you for free. Facebook and Twitter are probably the best places to find out where they’ll be and when.

Recycle Bikes, Pedal Ready and Edinburgh Cycles all offer maintenance classes where you can learn how to look after your bike.

Organised Rides/Meet other Cyclists

FNR-21-May-Skye-Edge-poster-bike-shop1There are a few regular rides in Sheffield which are aimed at new or casual cyclists. Sheffield Friday Night Ride has a different theme each month and tends to focus on the city centre and surrounding suburbs. I’d recommend all new cyclists come along to this ride, they’re great fun. If you’re into mountain biking then Ride Sheffield should be your first stop and don’t forget the new Parkwood Spings mountain bike trail just outside the city centre. If you’re brand new to cycling and a woman then there are occasional women only rides organised by Polly from Cycle Sheffield – I’m not sure how these are advertised… The Sheffield CTC has regular rides for all abilities, from family friendly 5 miles to hard 60+ mile routes but I’ve never been along. Recycle Bikes run rides aimed at 6 to 13 year olds, they seem fairly infrequent but they do provide the bikes and all equipment.

Bike Shops

There are plenty of bike shops in Sheffield to buy bikes and accessories; I’ve put the ones I know on a map here, you’ll have no problem finding one that you like. Don’t buy a reflective jacket though, these can be had for free from Recycle Bikes or Sheffield Council (but I can’t find a link!)

  • Decathlon – big and good value, sort of like Halfords
  • JE James – a big shop with lots of bikes and accessories
  • Tony Butterworths, Hillsborough – A great little shop with a good selection, my local bike shop.
  • Halfords – There are a couple of Halfords in Sheffield, in my experience neither really seem to have much of an interest in bicycles
  • Bike Rehab – A new place just off Devonshire Green, set up for repairs and parts. Has secure bike parking with changing facilities and lockers. Very friendly, highly recommended
  • Russel’s Bicycle Shed – The bike shop at the Train Station bike parking hub
  • Langsett Cycles – A big shop with plenty of choice.
  • Recycle Bikes – Sell refurbished bikes which have been donated to them – a community project
  • Sheffield Cycle Jumbles – If you’re feeling adventurous then you’ll find a crazy assortment of bicycle paraphernalia here, run twice a year.
  • Evans Cycles – A nice big shop, airy, friendly and a good range. You can order online and pick-up too.

If you buy a new bike then you should consider donating your old one (even if it’s broken!) to Recycle bikes, they do great work teaching young people how to maintain and repair bikes and they sell refurbished bikes to support the project and donate them to third world countries.

Getting Involved in Making Sheffield More Cycle Friendly

Cities Fit For CyclingIf you’d like to help improve facilities for cyclists in Sheffield then Cycle Sheffield are the local campaigning group. It is well worth becoming a member and they have monthly meetings anyone is welcome to attend, it’s a good way to keep track of the latest local cycling news. Speaking of which, all Sheffield cycling news stories are collated on Scoop.it by Cycle Sheffield. Sustrans are the body responsible for the National Cycle Network and they have a local branch who often need volunteers to help maintain the local network. There are regular work days advertised on their blog where you can help out by maintaining trails, digging, signing and litter picking.

Other Bits & Bobs

If you’re planning on commuting in the city then an excellent guide is “The beginner’s guide to cycle commuting” which covers everything from choice of bike, suitable clothing, how to deal with the rain, route tips and how to remain safe. Another useful resource on how to stay safe is the Silly Cyclist series on YouTube which shows how not to do it!

So… have fun and enjoy cycling in Sheffield.

If I’ve missed anything then let me know in a comment and I’ll get it added.

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