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4 days ago | 
cyclinguk.org | Rebecca Armstrong |Laura Laker
By Rebecca Armstrong Castlewellan Forest Park features green, blue and red grade trails In the final part of our series looking at off-road access in the UK, we find that Northern Ireland has few rights to open land; however, there are still places you can ride off road. Content Officer Rebecca Armstrong has the lowdown Unfortunately, access to safe off-road routes in Northern Ireland is extremely limited compared to the rest of the UK.
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1 month ago | 
cyclinguk.org | Rebecca Armstrong
By Rebecca Armstrong With our advice on climbing you might even find you love hills. Photo: Gerald Hoban Hills can be off-putting, especially to newer cyclists. Content Officer Rebecca Armstrong has all the advice you need to improve your skills so you’ll be racing up those inclines There’s no getting away from it – hills are hard.
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1 month ago | 
cyclinguk.org | Rebecca Armstrong
By Rebecca Armstrong When you apply pressure to the pedals, it moves the drivetrain, making the bike go forwards Cycling has its fair share of jargon and one of the words you might have heard is drivetrain.
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1 month ago | 
cyclinguk.org | Rebecca Armstrong
By Rebecca Armstrong Your bike’s wheels will help determine how comfortable your ride is There’s more to a cycle’s wheel than meets the eye. It’s the main point of contact with the ground and what keeps you moving. Content officer Rebecca Armstrong explains all. The wheels on your bike go round and round – propelling you along.
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1 month ago | 
cyclinguk.org | Rebecca Armstrong
By Rebecca Armstrong There are as many different types of handlebar as there are rider! Photo: Robyn Furtado Steering, a place to put your hands and support your weight and somewhere to position lights, gears and more – your bike’s handlebar is essential. But how does it work and what are the options available? Content Officer Rebecca Armstrong has the lowdown A bike’s handlebar is one of its most important components – you wouldn’t get far without one.
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2 months ago | 
cyclinguk.org | Rebecca Armstrong
By Rebecca Armstrong Top (left to right): Pinnacle, Ortlieb, Thule. Bottom (left to right): Carradice, Restrap If you cycle to work, or thinking about starting, you’ll need to carry your kit somehow – in way that’s secure and keeps it all dry.
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2 months ago | 
cyclinguk.org | Rebecca Armstrong
It’s not so long ago that as soon as you hit 60 (or even younger) you were advised to slow down, take it easy and wrap yourself in cotton wool. Nowadays, the advice has flipped and we’re being told to stay active as much as possible. This is great news for cyclists who want to keep cycling as they get older. If you want to continue riding as you hit 60, 70 or beyond, there’s no reason not to – and many reasons to do so.
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2 months ago | 
cyclinguk.org | Rebecca Armstrong
By Rebecca Armstrong If you want to cycle to the office without looking like you’re about to compete in the Tour de France, these trousers could be for you. Content officer Rebecca Armstrong tested them out I came across these trousers when I was reviewing a pair of cycling jeans for Cycle magazine. Jeans are all well and good for cycling to the shops or more informal offices.
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Mar 14, 2025 | 
cyclinguk.org | Rebecca Armstrong
By Rebecca Armstrong If you know someone who wants to cycle more but lacks confidence, there’s plenty you can do to help them achieve their goals. Content officer Rebecca Armstrong offers some advice on how you can support a wobbly cyclist We all know that cycling makes you happier and healthier. But for anyone who hasn’t been on a bike for a long time, taking the first step can be a daunting prospect.
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Mar 12, 2025 | 
cyclinguk.org | Rebecca Armstrong
Of all four UK nations, Scotland has by far the best access rights. In fact, Scotland has some of the best access rights in the world. This is down to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003, which codified into law the country’s ancient tradition of universal access to land. Unlike England and Wales, which have a complicated system based on how paths and trails are legally classified, most of Scotland’s land is open to all. However, this doesn’t mean you can just go anywhere or do anything.
