Bikeability – cycling proficiency for the 21st century
A Bikeability course gives children (and adults) the skills they need for riding their bikes on the road. Courses generally consist of five 90-minute sessions. These are run during the school day, after school or during the holidays. Individual training for adults and children can also be arranged. Most of the training is on the road, with practice sessions in the playground. Most courses are run in conjunction with local schools, by National Standard Trained Cycle Instructors for a small fee. There are three Bikeability levels:
Level 1 – children aged 7 and upwards, school Year 3
This is carried out on the playground and equips cyclists with the skills they need when they go onto the road. Level 2 – children aged 10 and upwards, school Year 5
This is carried out on quiet roads, where the instructors cycle with the pupils, building confidence and raising awareness. Level 3 – children aged 11 and upwards and adults
This is for more advanced cyclists using busier roads where traffic lights and roundabouts are commonplace. Children should have their own bike, of a suitable size and in roadworthy condition. It will be checked at the beginning of the course. They will also need to wear a safety helmet. In Britain over 50% of child cyclists who are taken to hospital have head injuries. Research shows that 88% of cyclists' brain injuries can be prevented by using a helmet.
