An eighty-year-old is back on her bike for the first time in seventy-three years after taking part in Dorset Council’s adult cycle training scheme.
Cynthia Ashford used the council’s voucher system to access discounted lessons and said the experience has given her confidence to enjoy cycling again.
She explained that she had not ridden a bike since she was seven and felt unsure about trying, but the training helped her overcome those concerns. She now cycles regularly on the North Dorset Trailway and said the support and patience of her trainer made the difference.
Her husband Martin already enjoyed cycling, and she saw the training as a way to join in and try something new. She said the experience has been rewarding and believes others could benefit in the same way, especially those who feel nervous about cycling after a long break.
Councillor Jon Andrews said stories like Cynthia’s show that age is not a barrier to learning and described the wider benefits of cycling for health and wellbeing. Dorset Council works with local cycling instructors to provide reduced-rate lessons, with classes limited to small groups to give focused support.
Adults living in the Dorset Council area can apply for a training voucher if they want to build skills, improve confidence or take up cycling for work or leisure.
Share us with your friends on social media, and have a listen to Bournemouth One online and on DAB for all your local news, traffic, jobs, weather, coastal info and more.
Register below for free regular updates via email.