Bikeability/Bike Maintenance

Bikeability

Bikeability is cycling proficiency for the 21st century. Using Bikeability training we aim to get more people cycling, more safely and more often.

We currently offer:

• Bikeability Balance – currently in schools only
• Bikeability Learn to ride – currently in schools only
• Level 1, 2 and 3 Bikeability training
• Bikeability Family
• Adult training
• Mechanical bike fixing

Balance – Aimed at Reception aged children and is designed to help children learn to balance on a bike without needing to use stabilisers.

Learn to Ride – Aimed at all non-riders. This is designed to enable the rider to learn to start, pedal without assistance and stop safely.

Level 1 is aimed at those who can ride without wobbling. The Level 1&2 combined course is aimed at children in school years 5 to adult. Level 3 is aimed at children in school years 6 to adult and to those who have passed Level 1&2 and have been advised by their instructor that they are ready for Level 3.

Our courses are conducted by our team of 1st4sport qualified trainers on behalf of the Department for Transport, who provide funding for the Bikeability scheme, on a national basis.

• level 1 - offers bike handling skills in a controlled environment away from roads.
• level 2 - cycle training for children aged 9 and over to help build the skills and confidence to ride a bike safely on the road.
• level 3 - next step bikeability training at level 3 for children, this training will help equip cyclists with the skills to manage all traffic conditions.

Part of the level 1 and 2 course takes place on local roads, so riders will need to be able to ride their bike confidently without wobbling. Level 3 takes place on busier roads and those taking part will need to already be confident on local roads. All bikes must be in good roadworthy condition. Children must wear a helmet to attend our courses, but we recommend all adults and children wear a well fitted helmet whilst cycling.

Locations

BCP Schools

Your school may already have signed up to receive Bikeability sessions. Contact your school direct to find out if sessions are scheduled for this year or register your interest in a future Bikeability course.

Kings Park and Slades Farm

If you can't wait to do your Bikeability course at your school or they are not holding a course, then we offer Level 2 Residential Road and Level 3 Advanced Cycling training courses at Kings Park and Slades Farm during the school holidays.  For details of these courses and to book a place, please email Bikeability@bcpcouncil.gov.uk 

One-to one and group adult Bikeability training

Tailored to your needs:

Courses are tailored to individual needs and are suitable for everyone, from complete beginners to people who would like to gain more confidence or more experienced cyclists who want to improve their skills on more challenging roads and junctions.

The courses can be delivered on a one-to-one basis or in small groups, depending upon the course required. Sessions typically last one to two hours, with the course duration and location agreed in advance with the trainees and instructor. For example the training could take place near the trainees’ home or place of work to help prepare and practice a commuting route.

We currently have a small pot of funding so that we can offer these courses free of charge. Please email bikeability@bcpcouncil.gov.uk, this training will assist those who would like to learn to ride or increase their confidence.

Bikeability Family

Bikeability Family is a training course to help people cycle together and complements the cycle training for children and adults which we already offer in this area. It enables families, or friends with children to plan enjoyable group rides, consider switching from driving to cycling the school run and feel more confident to support their children to become capable cyclists.

Whether you are relative novices to cycling or you all ride already but would like advice on specific routes your instructor will tailor the session to meet your needs.

Sessions are for up to 6 people and there needs to be at least one child (under 16) and one adult each session. All riders must be able to cycle without wobbling before taking part. Training will begin off road and move to on road once your instructor feels everyone is ready. Please be aware that where groups have very different ages or abilities, instructors need to pace training to suit the least able.

Help to choose a bike for a child:

There are lots of options when choosing a child's first bicycle, choosing the right bike will help your child feel confident and comfortable.  

Cost:

We currently have a small pot of funding so that we can offer these courses free. Please email bikeability@bcpcouncil.gov.uk for more information.

Instructors

All of our courses are delivered by our fully qualified Bikeability instructors, and you will be sent a list of these instructors upon request so that you can contact them directly to book your course.

Cycle to work

Once you’re confident of your cycling ability, why not consider cycling to work for all or part of your journey?

Cycling to work is a great way for you to get fit and healthy. Ask your employer if they are signed up to the Cycle to Work Guarantee. This is a voluntary initiative from the Department for Transport, challenging businesses to become cycle friendly employers by making it easy for staff to cycle to and from work.

If you haven't got a bike ask your employer if they have a cycle to work scheme' in place. Businesses can sign up to the scheme and offer their employees the opportunity to spread the cost of getting a bike and accessories over a set period as a tax-exempt benefit.

Bikeability Cycle Proficiency

For information, or for details about the training click here.