Exeter charity launches free "Joy Rides" to help people get cycling again this summer

Ride On – is launching a new, free cycling programme aimed at beginners, people returning to cycling after a break, or anyone looking for a sociable ride to help them get back outside this summer.

Called Joy Rides, the sessions launch on Saturday 18 July and run weekly through to September, alternating between Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings to fit around work, family, and shift patterns. Each ride follows one of three easy, mostly traffic-free routes around Exeter Quay, the Exe estuary, and Topsham, led by trained ride leaders and open to all abilities.

The project is delivered in partnership with Exeter City Community Trust (ECCT) and funded by Sport England.

Sam White, Head of Charity at Ride On, said: "Each year we sell hundreds of refurbished bikes, and chatting to our customers, we kept hearing the same thing — people wanted a friendly, sociable group to ride with that didn't require high fitness levels or a fancy bike. Joy Rides is designed to fill that gap: a space for people to gain confidence, get support from our experienced ride leaders, and meet others in their community."

Ride On's fleet of step-through hybrid bikes — including options fitted with child seats — is available to borrow free of charge, removing one of the biggest barriers to taking part.

The rides are designed as a stepping stone: participants who catch the cycling bug can go on to access Ride On's wider services, from its range of affordable refurbished bikes to its donation-based maintenance workshops, or formal courses - helping them become confident, self-sufficient cyclists for the long term.

Joy Rides meets at Ride On, 61 Haven Road, Exeter Quay, EX2 8DP . Full schedule and free booking at rideoncycling.org/joy-rides.