Bikeability cycle training for children will be delivered at their school. We offer a variety of modules depending on your child’s age and skill level. You will be notified by your school when training is due to take place and there will be a specific application window for you to apply for a place.
We offer number of courses during the school holidays, which are available to children who are home schooled or those who miss out on training at their school.
Bikeability levels 1, 2 and 3
Bikeability Training (formerly known as Cycle Proficiency Training) is designed to teach children to cycle on the road with confidence. Training in the borough is divided into three stages in line with Bikeability National Standards and these are known as Levels 1, 2 and 3.
Levels 1 and 2
These are combined into a day and a half course and are carried out when children are in Year 6 and above.
Level 1 focuses on bike control. Helmets are checked for fit and bikes for roadworthiness. This training takes place in a traffic free environment (playground) and includes the use of gears, riding whilst signalling, emergency stops, negotiating obstacles and looking all around, including behind. Children must pass Level 1 in order to progress onto Level 2.
Level 2 will teach your child how to cycle on a quiet road and will be accessed on their ability at the end of the training to confidently demonstrate the following,
- start and finish a journey
- pass side roads and parked vehicles
- make left, right and U turns
- understand where to position yourself when riding on the road
- to be aware of everything around them whilst riding
- to explain decisions made during cycling and thereby demonstrate understanding of a safe cycling strategy
Level 3
This training is available to those who have successfully completed Bikeability levels one and two. Level 3 is normally offered to those attending secondary school, however, we are able to train children in Year 6 who excelled in Level 1 and 2 training. This level will only be offered at the discretion of the cycling instructor. The training takes approximately two to three hours.
Level 3 training gives individuals the skills to tackle a wider variety of traffic conditions, allowing them to experience many types of road conditions and more challenging traffic scenarios. The course also covers responding to hazards, making ‘on-the-move’ risk assessments and route planning for safer cycling. Younger trainees will be given the opportunity to identify and plan a route for a journey they anticipate making such as home to school. The journey would then be ridden by them with one of our instructors so that become familiar with the junction layouts, traffic levels, possible hazards to fully equip them with the knowledge to make the journey independently.
Apply for training
Please complete the cycle training request form. to apply for your child to take part in Bikeability training.
Applications are only processed when your school has informed you of an upcoming course.