Bike and Banter: Group Rides in Newcastle and North Tyneside
Free weekend rides for adults. Bikes and helmets provided. Sign up for a rideRefer someone
Bike and Banter is our free weekend group ride for adults. It’s friendly, inclusive and at the pace of the group, with a coffee and cake stop and plenty of chat along the way.
Free
Funded places for everyone
Weekends
Saturdays and Sundays
Bikes and helmets
Provided, no need to bring your own unless you want to
Up to 12 riders
Small friendly groups
How Bike and Banter started
Bike and Banter was set up in September 2024 by Mind Matters NE’s two directors, Helen and Ratan. Through her role in PE and school sport, Helen had spent years getting children and young people out on bikes and building their confidence. Ratan, our mental health clinical lead, brings experience of getting people outdoors, socialising and building trust. Getting out on a bike felt like the perfect fit.
At first, we had access to a fleet of bikes and helmets that sat unused at weekends. So we thought: why not set up a group for adults?
That’s exactly what we did. Since then, with funding, we’ve built our own fleet of bikes, and our van means we can take them wherever we ride. The group has grown and grown. People join from all walks of life, at different stages of their lives and for different reasons. Some find us themselves, and many are referred to us.
People tell us they like that it’s inclusive. We coach and mentor, we build confidence, and there’s always someone to talk to at the back of the group. Friendships form. Halfway round we stop for a cuppa and some cake, and if there’s nowhere to stop, we’ve got plenty of goodies and water in our bags.
New riders are welcomed from the minute they tip up. Come and find us at whichever base we’re riding from, and you’ll be part of the group straight away.
Helen and Ratan, co-founders and ride leads
Who it’s for
Anyone over 18 who wants to build confidence, meet people or just get out on a bike at the weekend. You don’t need your own bike or any experience.
What a ride looks like
9:15 am
Arrive and get set up
We check bikes and helmets and get everyone ready, especially if it’s your first ride.
9:30 am
Set off together
Rides are usually 6 to 12 miles, most around 8 to 10. We ride at the pace of the least confident person in the group.
Halfway
Coffee, cake and a chat
The banter part. We check in with everyone, and if the group needs a shorter ride on the day, that’s what we do.
11:30 am
Back at base
Usually back by 11:30, sometimes a little later depending on the route.
Every route is risk assessed, and our ride leads do a recce ride on each one before we take a group out.
See a ride for yourself
A short look at what a Saturday morning with Bike and Banter is like.
Gallery
Where we meet
Our fleet is mobile, so rides start from one of our three bases:
- Benfield Sports Centre, Newcastle
- The Cycle Hub, Quayside, Newcastle
- Link Skills Centre, North Shields
Each ride has a set start point, so check the details for the ride you’re booking.
Know a venue that could host us? We’d love to hear from you.
What’s provided
- Bikes and helmets
- Two Cycling UK trained ride leaders
- Small groups of up to 12
Please wear comfortable clothes suitable for cycling and the weather.
Helen
Co-founder and ride lead
Ratan
Co-founder and ride lead
Upcoming rides
Meet at 9:15 for a 9:30 start. Places are limited, so please sign up before you come.
Saturday 24 October 26 · Benfield Sports Centre, Newcastle
Sunday 25 October 26 · The Cycle Hub, Quayside, Newcastle
Saturday 31 October 26 · Link Skills Centre, North Shields
Join a ride
Fill in our sign-up form and we’ll be in touch to confirm your place.
For professionals
GPs, social prescribers, employment services and voluntary and community organisations can refer people to Bike and Banter. We also run rides for community groups and partner organisations.
What riders say
Health issues meant I stopped being active, which was really frustrating, as I had previously been a very keen and experienced cyclist. Taking part in the community cycling sessions has helped me rebuild my confidence. The group is supportive, and it’s been great connecting with others and getting back on my bike. Thank you!
I moved to the area for my job and have never really explored the area or made friends outside work. A friend suggested I come along to the Saturday morning sessions. Whilst I can’t go every week, when I do, it’s great to meet up with the other cyclists who go. The Cycle Leads always make sure everyone is having a good session and adjust the routes if needed. Love stopping off for coffee, cake and a natter mid-session.
Looking for counselling or therapy?
We also offer one-to-one therapy and counselling, including therapy on a bike, through our separate therapy service.