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National Standard Training

Bikeability Training Modules

The Bikeability program is the modern “Cycling Proficiency,” designed to give children the practical skills and confidence they need to ride on today’s roads.

1 & 2

Bikeability Levels 1 & 2 Combined: From Playground to On-Road Confidence

The Bikeability program is the modern “Cycling Proficiency,” designed to give children the practical skills and confidence they need to ride on today’s roads. By combining Level 1 and Level 2, riders progress from mastering bike control in a safe environment to navigating real-world traffic.

Phase 1: Level 1 – Mastering Your Machine

Location: Traffic-free environment (e.g., school playground)

Before heading onto the road, riders must be in total control of their bikes. Level 1 focuses on the fundamental skills required to handle a cycle safely and efficiently.

The “M-Check”: Learning how to check that the bike is safe to ride (brakes, tires, chain, and bolts).
Helmet Safety: Ensuring a proper, snug fit for maximum protection.
Control & Balance: Mastering setting off, pedaling smoothly, slowing down, and braking without wobbling.
Advanced Handling: Learning to pedal one-handed (essential for signaling) and looking behind while maintaining a straight line.
Obstacle Awareness: Gliding and turning around objects with confidence.

Phase 2: Level 2 – Taking to the Road

Location: Real, quiet local roads

Once a rider has demonstrated control in Level 1, they move onto quiet residential streets. This stage is about “real-world” cycling—understanding how to interact with other road users and navigate junctions.

Starting & Stopping: Safely beginning and ending journeys on the side of the road.
Road Positioning: Understanding “Pass me” and “follow me” positions to stay visible and safe.
Communication: Using clear signals and making eye contact with drivers.
Negotiating Junctions: Turning left and right into and out of side roads (major to minor and minor to major).
Hazard Awareness: Learning how to pass stationary vehicles and side roads safely.
Road Etiquette: Understanding road signs, markings, and how to share space with vehicles and pedestrians.

Bikeability Level 3: Mastering Advanced Urban Cycling

Once you have sailed through Levels 1 and 2, Level 3 is the final step toward total independence on your bike. This level is typically for children aged 11+ and is often delivered in very small groups or even one-to-one to ensure the training is tailored to specific routes-like a new commute to secondary school.

What You Will Learn

Level 3 moves beyond quiet residential streets and into busier, more complex road systems. Riders will learn how to:

Master Riding Positions: Determine the safest and most effective position on the road for any given situation to ensure maximum visibility.
Negotiate Complex Junctions: Confidently handle traffic lights, multi-lane roundabouts, and roads with multiple lanes.
Handle Faster Roads: Learn to cycle safely on busier roads, including those with speed limits above 30mph.
Filter Through Traffic: Gain the skill of “filtering” (safely passing queuing or slow-moving vehicles).
Use Dedicated Infrastructure: Understand how to use advanced cycle lanes and specialized road markings.
React to Changing Situations: Develop the “road sense” needed to respond confidently when a vehicle pulls out or a situation changes unexpectedly.

Why Level 3 is a Game-Changer

While Level 2 gets you on the road, Level 3 gives you the freedom of the city. It is particularly useful for:

The Move to Secondary School: Training can be focused on the specific route a student will take every morning.
Group Riding: Learning how to ride safely alongside other cyclists.
Confidence in Traffic: Turning anxiety about busy junctions into a calm, systematic approach to road safety.

Requirements

Completion of Levels 1 & 2: You must have mastered the basics before moving to Level 3.

Age: Usually recommended for Year 7 students and above (11+ years old).

Tailored Focus: Sessions can often be customised to practice a specific “tricky” road or a regular journey you plan to make.

Additional Courses

We also offer specialized training for different age groups and abilities

Learn to Ride: The Gateway to Two-Wheeled Freedom

Do you have a “not-yet-rider” ready to ditch the stabilisers? Our Learn to Ride module is a dedicated session designed specifically for anyone who hasn’t quite mastered the art of pedaling yet.

While we welcome any age, this course is ideally suited for children in Year 2 and above. It serves as the perfect bridge-moving beyond Bikeability Balance and providing the essential preparation needed to take on Bikeability Level 1&2.

What to Expect

This isn’t just a standard lesson; it’s a supportive environment where we break down the mechanics of cycling into manageable, confidence-boosting steps.

The Transition: We focus on the shift from balancing to active pedaling.
Expert Guidance: Our instructors use proven techniques to help riders find their “center” without the crutch of stabilisers.
A Team Effort: We love involving the community! This module is designed to involve non-riding parents and school staff, giving you the tools to continue supporting the rider long after the session ends.

Key Details

Target Group: Anyone unable to pedal independently.
Recommended Age: Year 2 and above.
Prerequisite: None (Excellent follow-on from Bikeability Balance).
Goal: Progression to Bikeability Level 1&2.

Bikeability Balance: Building the Foundation for Future Riders

Before the pedals come on, the confidence goes up! Bikeability Balance is a fun, play-based module designed to prepare our youngest learners for the world of cycling. By swapping pedals for “gliding,” children develop the core physical skills and spatial awareness needed to transition effortlessly to a pedal bike.

How It Works

Using a series of engaging games and balance bikes, we focus on the two most important elements of cycling: Balance and Control. Without the complication of pedals, children can focus on:

Dynamic Balance: Finding their center of gravity while in motion.
Bike Handling: Learning how to steer, lean, and stop safely.
Spatial Awareness: Navigating around obstacles and sharing space with others.
Confidence: Overcoming the fear of two wheels in a supportive, game-led environment.

Tailored for Your School

We aim to make the setup as easy as possible for your staff. Whether you are already equipped or starting from scratch, we have you covered:

Have your own bikes? We can utilize your school’s existing fleet of balance bikes to get your pupils moving.
Need equipment? No problem! We are now able to provide our own fleet of balance bikes for the duration of the training, ensuring every child has access to a high-quality, correctly sized bike.

Ready to Book Training?

Get in touch to discuss the right training level for your school or group

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"Shropshire is recognised nationally as one of the top ten councils in England for Bikeability delivery. In the 2024/25 academic year alone, 4,816 children received Bikeability Level 1, 2, 3 and Plus training, including those participating in the Holiday Activities and Food programme. This represents a 30% increase in training numbers over two years, a growth achieved through strategic partnerships and efficient use of government grants."

Cllr Rob Wilson Portfolio Holder for Transport and Economic Growth

"Within less than an hour my daughter was riding a bike with confidence. The best session I've booked - life skill learnt!"

Jess M. Parent

"The sessions are always well-run and organised and the staff are to be commended for giving up their time to support such a worthwhile programme."

Mary P Deputy Head, Meole Brace School

"Keith and his team are absolutely brilliant. The students get so much out of these sessions, always giving such great feedback on what they have learned and the confidence they have developed. It makes a massive difference to our students knowing they are able to confidently cycle to and from school in a way that will keep them and other road users safe"

Jeremy T Head of Year, Priory School

"The Learn Cycling instructors are a highly professional and respected team and they have my strong support."

Cllr Bernie Bentick Portfolio Holder for Health and Public Protection at Shropshire Council

"Bikeability is always popular here and the children always look forward to their 'turn'"

Helen Headteacher

"Our children absolutely loved the Bikeability training! The instructors were patient and encouraging."

Sarah M. Parent, Year 6

"All leaders were well-organised, friendly and flexible to our children's needs. The children really enjoyed the sessions, and we have had an increase of these children cycling to school. "

Charlie W. Deputy Head, Burford CofE Primary School

"A big thank you to Learn Cycling, for leading this course, and teaching the children the skills and importance of cycling. "

Julia B MP for Shrewsbury