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Leicester Spokes Cycling Group

Leicester's Friendly Social Cycling Group

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to bring on a ride?

Money for lunch / tea and waterproof clothing. Please make sure that your bicycle is in good working order, and bring along a spare inner tube and repair kit. For the Wednesday evening rides always bring fully charged lights.

Do I need to be a member of Spokes before I can join a ride?

Leicester Spokes rides are free and open to all. However, new riders are expected to join Leicester Spokes after two bike rides. Annual membership is £8 for waged persons, £4 for unwaged. Our membership year runs from April 1st.

How old do I need to be to join a ride?

Participants on Leicester Spokes rides must be over 17. Our rides are not suitable for young children due to the speed, distance and being on roads, however teenagers may be capable of them providing they are accompanied by an adult.

Am I insured when I join a spokes ride?

Insurance is your sole responsibility. Leicester Spokes and its members cannot accept liability for you or your possessions. It is your responsibility to follow advice and the highway code at all times. Your participation is acceptance of these conditions.

Can I leave a ride at any point?

You may leave a ride at any point but it is your responsibility to tell the leader that you are leaving the ride.

Where do Spokes ride to?

Mostly to towns and villages around Leicester.

Do I need to wear a helmet?

There is no currently no legal requirement for cyclists to wear helmets in the U.K. and is it your choice whether to do so on a Spokes ride, however the majority of members do.

Can Spokes fix my bike for me?

Leicester Spokes only provides led rides and does not have any maintenance facilities or mechanics. See the links page for local bike shops and self-help advice.

Do Spokes provide cycle training?

No, adult cycle training is provided free of charge by Leicester City Council for city residents, and by Leicestershire County Council for county residents.

Is Leicester Spokes a Road club?

No, Leicester Spokes is a social cycling club where rides are for pleasure not for sport.

What are cycle tours?

Cycle tours are long distance cycle rides held over more than one day with overnight breaks. These are usually in the form of holidays elsewhere in the UK or in Europe, necessitating transportation and accommodation, but can also be long weekends cycling to a destination and back. Members are required to organise transport and accommodation themselves though this is often done as a group to reduce costs.

Where can I find the latest minutes of the Spokes committee?

Please send spokes an email and we will be happy to send you a copy of the latest minutes of the Spokes committee.

What is the history of Leicester Spokes?

Leicester Spokes was established in 1983 as a cycling campaign organisation who sought to influence planning and promote the rights of cyclists within the City of Leicester and surrounding areas, in order to establish better infrastructure and conditions for cycling. Led rides were always provided and over time that has become the main focus of the club and campaigning declined such that it has ceased to play any part.

Has Leicester Spokes got a constitution?

Yes, we do have a constitution. Please click here to view it.

Has Leicester Spokes got a Privacy Policy?

Yes, we do have a Privacy Policy. Please click here to view it.

The content of this page was last updated on 7th February 2023.