When Maria accepted a new job across Birmingham, she felt excited — but also anxious. The role was a great opportunity, but the daily commute felt like a major challenge. Public transport costs were rising, routes were unreliable, and she had not ridden a bicycle in years.
Like many residents, Maria wanted a healthier, more affordable way to travel but lacked the confidence to cycle safely on city roads. That changed when she joined one of Birmingham Community Empowerment Hub’s Cycle Confidence Classes.
Our Sustainable Transportation Solutions programme was designed for people exactly like Maria — adults who want to cycle but need guidance, encouragement, and practical skills to get started.
On her first day, Maria admitted she was nervous. “I thought everyone else would already know what they were doing,” she said. “But I quickly realised many people felt the same as me.”
The class began in a safe open space where participants learned the basics: balance, braking, turning, road positioning, and bike safety checks. Friendly instructors created a relaxed environment where questions were welcomed and progress happened at each person’s pace.
Over the following sessions, Maria gained more confidence. She practiced signalling, navigating junctions, and understanding traffic flow. She also learned how to plan safer routes using cycle lanes and quieter streets.
