The Travel Actively programme offers a special menu of activities designed to make people feel good and stay healthy. The activities aren’t just about getting exercise, but also about making friends, building skills and learning exciting new things.
In addition to sessions aimed at developing people’s confidence, the Travel Actively programme also looks to develop the skills of volunteers in the community. This will ensure the benefits of the programme continue beyond the end of the pilot in October 2026.
The activities detailed below are currently offered in the pilot areas of Barrow-in-Furness and Carlisle only. For details of events and activities happening elsewhere in Cumbria, see a helping hand.
Free inclusive sessions to develop skills and confidence on your bike. Beginning on a safe off-road cycle track and developing to confident road riding. Open to all ages and abilities. Bikes and helmets provided if needed.
Group cycle rides led by our trained volunteers or staff. These rides are open to all and each route will give a description to see if it meets your needs. This will be a great chance to try out your new cycling skills in a friendly group.
We offer two types of free bike maintenance training. Our one-day course is suitable for those wanting to learn how to undertake everyday repairs, like a puncture. The two-day course is suitable for volunteers wanting to work as bike mechanics and provides more advanced bike repair skills.
Get your bike fixed for free! Weekly workshops are held in Barrow Park Pavilion and Rebike Community Cycle Hub in Carlisle. These are bike workshops where you can bring your bikes down to get free repairs done while you wait.
Why not take part in a led Wellbeing walk? These are short, free and easy walks designed to be accessible for all. They are held across Cumbria. For more information visit Wellbeing Walks.
If you are an organisation that has an activity or idea that will encourage and help people to be more active by walking, wheeling and cycling for everyday journeys in Carlisle and Barrow, you may be eligible to apply to the Travel Actively Fund (TAF) for support. The Travel Actively Fund is already helping to deliver community-led active travel projects in these areas. More information on the eligibility criteria and process for applying can be found on the Active Cumbria website.
Our Travel Actively teams in Barrow-in-Furness and Carlisle host events and activities throughout the year to encourage and support our targeted audiences to build confidence, gain skills and begin to travel actively.
For some activities and events, booking is essential and attendance should be registered through the Eventbrite links provided. Where booking is not required, please join us five minutes prior to the start of the event or drop-in at any point during the session times.
If you would like more information on any of the listings below, please use the contact us form.
New dates coming soon! A series of FREE guided bike rides which are short, easy, gentle and suitable for all. They are a great opportunity to meet and chat with people with similar interests and increase your cycling confidence.
Wellbeing walks are free, easy and suitable for all. These walks are local to you, a great time to have a natter and a chance for refreshments. Updates are posted on our Facebook page so please do follow us for more information. Booking Essential. Use the links below to book your free place.
Thursday 4 June at 10:30am. Morton Manor Community Centre
Tuesday 16 June at 10:30am. Gatehouse Cafe
Thursday 2 July at 10:30am. Smillie's Cafe
Monday 13 July at 10:30am. Morton Manor Community Centre
Tuesday 28 July at 10:30am. Cornerstone Cafe
A variety of free sessions designed to develop your cycling skills from learn-to-ride, to improve your skills, to getting safe on the roads. These sessions are a great opportunity for people to increase their cycling skills and confidence in a safe environment. Although we prefer it if you can bring your own bike and helmet, if you need to request use of a bike and helmet please contact us. We welcome both individuals and groups of people.
Balance Bike Confidence Session
New dates coming soon! A Balance Bike confidence session for pre-school children (2-4 years), delivered by Bikeability instructors from Stage 1 Cycles. The sessions are aimed at youngsters aged 2-4 years, who are developing confidence with balancing on bikes, but are not yet ready for pedals.
Learn to Pedal Confidence Session
New dates coming soon! A Learn to Pedal Bike development session for children confident on balance bikes, and ready for using bikes with pedals. Stage 1 Cycles Bikeability Instructors will deliver the course. This is aimed at youngsters ready to move on to bikes with pedals, after mastering balance on balance bikes.
Guided ride along North Walney Cycle Path
New dates coming soon! For all ages, children accompanied by an adult.
New dates coming soon! Basic mechanical knowledge is a vital part of providing any kind of bike ride or cycling activity. Cycling UK’s Basic Maintenance Course gives you the skills you need to prepare bikes safely for riding, and to fix the most common problems that occur during the course of a ride – on or off the road. This is a hands-on course. You’ll be working on bikes, getting your hands dirty and learning on the job!
Barrow on Bikes volunteers will be carrying out free basic bike repairs and checks. Drop-in with your bike between 10am and 2pm.
Full details of these short, easy walks will be posted on our Facebook page. Just choose which walk you would like to attend and follow the instructions to book your free place.
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you! (registration with Barrow Parkrun prior to starting is essential).
Subscribe to our Travel Actively programme e-newsletter and get updates straight to your inbox. Alternatively you can follow us on Facebook.
Travel Actively Barrow Facebook
Travel Actively Carlisle Facebook