FAQ
FAQ
Everything you might want to know.
Please email us if your question is not answered here.
Helmets aren’t compulsory but for safety reasons we recommend that you wear one.
Yes, there are toilets at Greenbank Sports Academy and at the Florrie.
Accompanied children who are able to cycle the distance are welcome on our 3 – 8 mile rides. We ask you to message the ride leaders on Spond to let them know the number and ages of children who are coming.
Yes, you can use an e-bike if it complies with current legislation. It has to be pedal assist.
This means the motor provides electrical assistance only when the bicycle is pedalled and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 15.5 mph.
No e-scooter, or non-pedalling type electric bikes are allowed.
You should already be experienced riding an e-bike before joining one of the rides.
Bear in mind that e-bikes can be quicker and that riders not on e-bikes may be riding more slowly.
Also note that ride times are based on non e-bike speeds of travel and so e-bikers will need to adjust their speeds accordingly.
Please ensure the battery has sufficient charge for you to be able to complete the ride.
Yes. We have lots of well-maintained bikes and helmets in various sizes.
If you are borrowing a bike you will need to arrive 15 minutes before the start time so we can sort out the best bike and helmet for you.
Please note, we don’t currently have any e-bikes to lend out.
Absolutely not! Our riders wear whatever they feel most comfortable in.
Loose clothing needs to be tucked in to avoid getting it caught in the chain or wheels – ankle clips can be useful for loose trousers.
Non-slip shoes or trainers are recommended so feet don’t slip
on the pedals.
Wearing something bright helps other road users to see you.
On a phone, download from either the AppStore (Apple) or Google Play Store (Android) – it’s free!
You will need to register with a username and password.
To join our group use our code GSDOY.
From your PC/laptop go to: https://group.spond.com/GSDOY
Greenbank Sports Academy is on Greenbank Lane, L17 1AG.
That is 1.3 miles from St Michaels Merseyrail station and 0.5 miles from the 75, 80 or 86 bus stops on Ullet Road / Smithdown
Road.
The Florrie is at 377 Mill Street, L8 4RF.
That is 1 mile from St Michaels Merseyrail station and 0.3 miles from the 82 bus stops on Park Road.
Shorter rides (3-8 miles) – we usually cycle around 6-8 mph
Medium rides (10-14 miles) – we usually cycle around 8-9 mph
Longer rides (20+ miles) – we usually cycle around 10-12 mph
We aim to have a mix of rides, including several each month that are 3-8 miles and mainly traffic free, several that are 10 – 14 miles within Liverpool, and several that are 20 plus miles going further afield into Lancashire, Cheshire or the Wirral.
You need to be 18 to join the Spond booking app.
Under 18s are welcome on our 3 – 8 mile rides with an accompanying adult and do not need to book.
We use photos on our website, Facebook page, flyers and other promotional materials.
No names are included just images or videos.
We ask riders at the start of each ride to let us know if they
do not want to be included in photos and/or videos.
Yes! Many of our riders don’t have English as their first language. Everyone is welcome on our rides and if needed we use Google Translate to help us communicate.
We ask you to let leaders know at the start of the ride of any medical conditions where you carry medication or may need assistance – for example diabetes, epilepsy, heart conditions.
Please ensure that you carry any medication that you may need, such as Angina or Asthma medication.
Ride leaders hold up-to-date First Aid training and carry First Aid kits on the rides. They also have knowledge of shortcuts and locations of Merseyrail train stations in case participants need to leave a ride early.
If you haven’t been on a bike for a long time we recommend starting with one of our 3-8 mile rides which are mainly traffic free.
These go at an easy pace and are ideal for those who don’t cycle regularly.
We also offer free Cycle Skills sessions where you can build confidence cycling in a traffic free environment or on quiet roads.
Yes! Downloading the Spond app, joining the rides, and borrowing bikes and helmets are all free.
We even offer free bike maintenance workshops and cycle skills sessions.
We are funded by Cycling UK, Liverpool City Council and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority so we are able to provide all our activities free of charge.
Any bicycle can be suitable, but it must be in a good roadworthy condition.
If you have not used your bike for some time, we recommend that you get it serviced by a professional bike mechanic.
You are welcome to borrow one of our bikes if your own bike is not currently in good working order.
Greenbank Sports Academy has a small car park and there is additional parking 2 minutes walk away at Sefton Park.
The Florrie has a small car park at the back of the building plus there’s parking on Wellington Road.
We ask all riders to bring at least one inner tube that fits your tyres on every ride, especially on longer 20 plus mile rides where this is essential.
Tools such as spanners, tyre levers, Allen keys and chain tools are usually carried by the ride leaders to assist with mechanical issues.
Verbal assistance can be provided to help you fix mechanical issues but the leaders aren’t qualified to repair other riders’ bicycles.
We run regular free cycle maintenance workshops to help you improve your knowledge and confidence when dealing with mechanical issues.
See the Spond app for dates of future workshops.
- A road-worthy bicycle, with at least one spare inner tube
- A bottle of water or other drink, and a snack
- Some money/a bank card for refreshments or in case you need to take a train home
- Clothing suitable for the weather conditions. Several thinner layers are better than one heavy top
- A waterproof jacket. Bright colours are best
- A mobile phone is very handy too
- Lights on your bicycle on longer winter rides
Most riders use hybrid style bicycles, with flat handlebars and tyres that are wider than a road bike but narrower than a mountain bike.
It is fine to use a mountain bike or a road bike with dropped handlebars, if that is more comfortable for you.
Some of the rides include sections on gravel or grassy paths.
Mudguards are recommended for the comfort of yourself and others around you.
You can check the details of each ride on Spond.
We only run rides when the weather conditions are safe to do so.
We inform everyone via the Spond app if the ride is being cancelled due to icy roads, strong winds or heavy rain.
Rides generally go ahead if it is forecast for light rain or drizzle.
We recommend bringing a waterproof jacket and trousers. Waterproof trousers can be found in most Outdoor Clothing shops.
If it is cold but not icy we will also continue to run rides – we recommend gloves, thick socks, a fleece headband or hat that fits under a helmet and extra layers of clothing.
Everything you might want to know.
Please email us if your question is not answered here.
Helmets aren’t compulsory but for safety reasons we recommend that you wear one.
Yes, there are toilets at Greenbank Sports Academy and at the Florrie.
Accompanied children who are able to cycle the distance are welcome on our 3 – 8 mile rides. We ask you to message the ride leaders on Spond to let them know the number and ages of children who are coming.
Yes, you can use an e-bike if it complies with current legislation. It has to be pedal assist.
This means the motor provides electrical assistance only when the bicycle is pedalled and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 15.5 mph.
No e-scooter, or non-pedalling type electric bikes are allowed.
You should already be experienced riding an e-bike before joining one of the rides.
Bear in mind that e-bikes can be quicker and that riders not on e-bikes may be riding more slowly.
Also note that ride times are based on non e-bike speeds of travel and so e-bikers will need to adjust their speeds accordingly.
Please ensure the battery has sufficient charge for you to be able to complete the ride.
Yes. We have lots of well-maintained bikes and helmets in various sizes.
If you are borrowing a bike you will need to arrive 15 minutes before the start time so we can sort out the best bike and helmet for you.
Please note, we don’t currently have any e-bikes to lend out.
Absolutely not! Our riders wear whatever they feel most comfortable in.
Loose clothing needs to be tucked in to avoid getting it caught in the chain or wheels – ankle clips can be useful for loose trousers.
Non-slip shoes or trainers are recommended so feet don’t slip
on the pedals.
Wearing something bright helps other road users to see you.
On a phone, download from either the AppStore (Apple) or Google Play Store (Android) – it’s free!
You will need to register with a username and password.
To join our group use our code GSDOY.
From your PC/laptop go to: https://group.spond.com/GSDOY
Greenbank Sports Academy is on Greenbank Lane, L17 1AG.
That is 1.3 miles from St Michaels Merseyrail station and 0.5 miles from the 75, 80 or 86 bus stops on Ullet Road / Smithdown
Road.
The Florrie is at 377 Mill Street, L8 4RF.
That is 1 mile from St Michaels Merseyrail station and 0.3 miles from the 82 bus stops on Park Road.
Shorter rides (3-8 miles) – we usually cycle around 6-8 mph
Medium rides (10-14 miles) – we usually cycle around 8-9 mph
Longer rides (20+ miles) – we usually cycle around 10-12 mph
We aim to have a mix of rides, including several each month that are 3-8 miles and mainly traffic free, several that are 10 – 14 miles within Liverpool, and several that are 20 plus miles going further afield into Lancashire, Cheshire or the Wirral.
You need to be 18 to join the Spond booking app.
Under 18s are welcome on our 3 – 8 mile rides with an accompanying adult and do not need to book.
We use photos on our website, Facebook page, flyers and other promotional materials.
No names are included just images or videos.
We ask riders at the start of each ride to let us know if they
do not want to be included in photos and/or videos.
Yes! Many of our riders don’t have English as their first language. Everyone is welcome on our rides and if needed we use Google Translate to help us communicate.
We ask you to let leaders know at the start of the ride of any medical conditions where you carry medication or may need assistance – for example diabetes, epilepsy, heart conditions.
Please ensure that you carry any medication that you may need, such as Angina or Asthma medication.
Ride leaders hold up-to-date First Aid training and carry First Aid kits on the rides. They also have knowledge of shortcuts and locations of Merseyrail train stations in case participants need to leave a ride early.
If you haven’t been on a bike for a long time we recommend starting with one of our 3-8 mile rides which are mainly traffic free.
These go at an easy pace and are ideal for those who don’t cycle regularly.
We also offer free Cycle Skills sessions where you can build confidence cycling in a traffic free environment or on quiet roads.
Yes! Downloading the Spond app, joining the rides, and borrowing bikes and helmets are all free.
We even offer free bike maintenance workshops and cycle skills sessions.
We are funded by Cycling UK, Liverpool City Council and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority so we are able to provide all our activities free of charge.
Any bicycle can be suitable, but it must be in a good roadworthy condition.
If you have not used your bike for some time, we recommend that you get it serviced by a professional bike mechanic.
You are welcome to borrow one of our bikes if your own bike is not currently in good working order.
Greenbank Sports Academy has a small car park and there is additional parking 2 minutes walk away at Sefton Park.
The Florrie has a small car park at the back of the building plus there’s parking on Wellington Road.
We ask all riders to bring at least one inner tube that fits your tyres on every ride, especially on longer 20 plus mile rides where this is essential.
Tools such as spanners, tyre levers, Allen keys and chain tools are usually carried by the ride leaders to assist with mechanical issues.
Verbal assistance can be provided to help you fix mechanical issues but the leaders aren’t qualified to repair other riders’ bicycles.
We run regular free cycle maintenance workshops to help you improve your knowledge and confidence when dealing with mechanical issues.
See the Spond app for dates of future workshops.
- A road-worthy bicycle, with at least one spare inner tube
- A bottle of water or other drink, and a snack
- Some money/a bank card for refreshments or in case you need to take a train home
- Clothing suitable for the weather conditions. Several thinner layers are better than one heavy top
- A waterproof jacket. Bright colours are best
- A mobile phone is very handy too
- Lights on your bicycle on longer winter rides
Most riders use hybrid style bicycles, with flat handlebars and tyres that are wider than a road bike but narrower than a mountain bike.
It is fine to use a mountain bike or a road bike with dropped handlebars, if that is more comfortable for you.
Some of the rides include sections on gravel or grassy paths.
Mudguards are recommended for the comfort of yourself and others around you.
You can check the details of each ride on Spond.
We only run rides when the weather conditions are safe to do so.
We inform everyone via the Spond app if the ride is being cancelled due to icy roads, strong winds or heavy rain.
Rides generally go ahead if it is forecast for light rain or drizzle.
We recommend bringing a waterproof jacket and trousers. Waterproof trousers can be found in most Outdoor Clothing shops.
If it is cold but not icy we will also continue to run rides – we recommend gloves, thick socks, a fleece headband or hat that fits under a helmet and extra layers of clothing.
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