CYCLE TRAINING FOR CHILDREN

Bikeability, formerly known as "Cycling Proficiency", is the only Government approved award for cycle training today. This scheme has been rolled out nationwide and is designed to give children the skills and confidence to cycle on today's roads. Certificates and badges are available for all three levels of ability.

Bikeability Level 1 is aimed at Year 3/4 school children (7-9 years old). Fun exercises and games improve children's balance and bike control skills in a traffic-free environment. A road sign quiz is included to raise children's traffic awareness. Level 1 is delivered in one or two sessions with a total course length ranging from 90 minutes up to 3 hours, depending on group size. This course is normally funded by the school or parental contributions.

Bikeability Level 2 is the most important course of the Bikeability scheme. This course is aimed at Year 5/6 school children (10-12 years old). The course involves a round up of Bikeability Level 1 skills before trainees go out on the road. Most of the Level 2 course is delivered on real roads with real traffic and instructors have been intensively trained to minimise potential risks. Normally we start out on quiet roads, slowly building up to roads with more traffic according to the capabilities of the trainees. Level 2 is normally delivered in three to five sessions with at least 6 hours of on-road training for full size groups of 12 trainees. There is normally funding available from the Department of Transport for this course, but the availability of funding varies from region to region, see also our page for schools and professionals.

Bikeability Level 3

This level builds on from the Level 2 course and is intended to let teenagers discover "the full range of their cycling potential". In Level 3 the ambition and abilities of the individual trainee is central. On this course trainees can learn how to cycle on busy roads and how to control traffic flows as a cyclist. At the same time trainees can also learn how to plan their own traffic-calmed routes and how to avoid busy roads. If a busy junction on the daily cycle commute is unavoidable then we will coach the trainee in how best to negotiate the junction safely and correctly. The Level 3 course should last at least 2 hours when taught 1:1. We prefer to include Level 3 in our specially designed Weekend Bike clubs. In these clubs we combine longer leisure rides with some challenging exercises, providing children more cycling experience and last but not least cycling fun! Level 3 is normally funded by parental contributions only.

All Bikeability levels can be taught in groups (for example at schools), but courses can also be booked by families or individuals. A private session is more intensive than a group session, meaning it is possible to achieve the outcomes in a much shorter time period. Contact us to get connected to a local instructor in your area!