Bikeability

Core training programme

Bikeability training is organised and delivered locally by registered Bikeability providers, and predominantly takes place at schools (Years 5–7). The core training itself is divided into three levels. Level 1 consists of two modules with four activities delivered over two hours. Level 2 has three modules with eight activities delivered over six hours. Finally, Level 3 has two modules with four activities delivered over two hours. In terms of course ratios, the maximum riders per instructor for Level 1 is twelve, for Level 2 it is six, and for Level 3 it is three.

At Level 1, new riders learn to:

• Prepare themselves for a journey
• Check the cycle is ready for a journey
• Set off, pedal, slow down and stop
• Pedal (including looking behind, cycling one handed, turning and controlling speed)

At Level 2, riders learn to:

• Cycle safely and responsibly
• Identify and respond to hazards
• Start and stop on-road journeys
• Maintain suitable riding positions
• Share the road with others and communicate with other road users
• Comply with signals, signs and road markings
• Manage risk when cycling
• Negotiate junctions (pass side roads, turn at T junctions, and crossroads and roundabouts if present)

At Level 3, riders learn to:

• Plan a journey
• Plan to and ride assertively everywhere cycling is permitted
• Maintain suitable riding positions
• Cooperate with and respect other road users (including avoiding driver blind spots and riding with others)
• Pass queuing traffic and use junctions controlled by traffic lights (if present)
• Use cycle infrastructure and multi lane roads (if present)
• Ride on roads with speeds above 30 mph (if present)

Bikeability Plus

In addition to the three Bikeability Levels, Bikeability Plus is a series of 10, free-standing modules designed to ensure that children and families are given the opportunities, skills, and guidance needed to make cycling a part of their everyday life. They are intended to complement and support Bikeability training (Levels 1, 2 and 3) which is aimed at improving the cycling skills and confidence of trainees who can already ride.

In particular, the modules have been developed to address some of the ‘barriers’ to getting children cycling. For instance, they help to get non-riders riding, parents involved and supportive, those without access to a working bike included, and provide knowledge about local cycling routes/opportunities to enable continued cycling after training.

Administration and management

Bikeability is administered by The Bikeability Trust; a charitable organisation aiming to advance the cycling education of the public (in particular young children). The Trust itself manages, develops and promotes Bikeability, and is responsible for distributing The Bikeability award materials. Bikeability is funded by the Department for Transport and delivered through registered training providers. In order to be able to use the Bikeability name and to be able to award Bikeability badges, a training provider must be registered with the Bikeability Trust. In addition, a Bikeability provider must provide evidence that it has appropriate insurance, child protection policies and risk assessment processes.

References

References

1. "What is Bikeability?".
2. "National Standard for Cycle Training?".
3. "Bikeability Level 1".
4. "Bikeability Level 2".
5. "Bikeability Level 3".
6. "Bikeability Plus".
7. "Bikeability Trust".