YOU’RE NEVER TOO OLD TO LEARN HOW TO RIDE A BIKE

Sam Sahdra, 63, learned to cycle at the age of 51 and is now an instructor

My family moved here from India when I was eight, and none of us had bikes or learned to use one. I never even thought about it until I was older. It was 12 years ago, and I’d seen there were sessions in Handsworth Park, Birmingham, which is near where I live. I was nervous, but I asked to join a session – and I’ve never regretted it.

Coming into the group felt like joining a family. In fact, within my own family, my eldest son had said I was too old to ride a bike, so now I’ve made him eat his words, because I learned to ride in five sessions and I am now, at the age of 63, a qualified instructor.

Learning was scary, and I didn’t always stay upright but, once I’d learned to pedal, it was freeing and enjoyable. Joining Handsworth Ladies, my local women’s cycling club, helped me meet other women who were getting into cycling. Socialising in the group is enjoyable and I like to help the others where I can – encouraging the ones who are like I was when I started. I feel more active and have confidence when cycling now, which I didn’t have previously, and it’s keeping me healthier.

Despite having an accident earlier this year, when I was knocked off my bike by a van, I’ve never thought to stop cycling. I want to keep going until I’m not capable of riding any more, and I’m inspired by one of the ladies I teach. She is 76.

Handsworth Ladies is a Cycling UK Community Cycle Club