Students encouraged to discover safe, legal e-bike travel to South Devon College

Big Bike Revival offers students the chance to try e-bikes, build confidence and get practical advice on cycling to college

PAIGNTON, Devon — Staff and students at South Devon College are being encouraged to consider a bike or e-bike as a practical way to travel to college, with free cycle confidence sessions, e-bike advice, repairs and bike security activities taking place over the coming weeks.

The activities form part of Cycling UK’s Big Bike Revival, delivered locally by Safe, Sustainable Travel Torbay (SSTT) and Cycle Torbay CIC.

Two free cycle and e-bike confidence sessions will take place at South Devon College on Friday 25 September and Friday 2 October, from 1pm to 3pm, giving students and members of the wider community the opportunity to improve their cycling confidence and try an e-bike.

With e-bikes becoming increasingly popular, the sessions will also provide an opportunity to understand what constitutes a legal electric-assisted bicycle, how e-bike assistance works and what riders need to know to use one safely and confidently on the road.

Participants can bring their own bike or e-bike, or try one provided through the session. Instructors will also be happy to answer practical questions about choosing an e-bike, buying and using one safely, locking it securely and using it for everyday journeys.

For students who don't want to buy an e-bike outright, Wheels 2 Work South West offer affordable e-bike rental options.

The programme continues at the College's Freshers' Fair on Tuesday 29 September, where students can access free bike repairs and bike marking from Paignton Police.

Beth Huntley, Chair of Safe, Sustainable Travel Torbay, said:

“For many students, cycling a regular bike or e-bike can make getting to college quicker, healthier and more. We want to give people the opportunity to try cycling and build the confidence to use an e-bike safely.

“There is also a lot of confusion around e-bikes, particularly with the availability of illegally modified or non-compliant machines. We want to make sure people know what a legal e-bike is and have access to practical advice about choosing and using one.”

The sessions are free but places are limited.

Big Bike Revival confidence sessions
Friday 25 September, 1pm–3pm
Friday 2 October, 1pm–3pm
South Devon College, Vantage Point, Long Road, Paignton

The programme is funded by Cycling UK's Big Bike Revival. Book via Eventbrite bit.ly/TravelTorbay

ENDS