What is Bikeability?

Bikeability is the Cycling Proficiency of the 21st century, designed to give the next generation the skills and confidence to ride their bikes on today’s roads.
The website www.bikeability.org.uk provides more useful information on the scheme

There are three Bikeability levels:

Level 1 is for children aged 7 to 9. It is usually taught in a traffic free environment (school playground). By completing Level 1, you will be able to demonstrate the skills and understanding to make a trip and undertake activities safely in a motor traffic free environment and as a pre-requisite to a road trip.

Level 2 is for age 9 upwards. It is taught on quiet roads but with real traffic conditions. By completing Level 2 you will be able to demonstrate the skills and understanding to make a trip safely to school, work or leisure on quiet roads.

Level 3 is age 13 upwards. It is taught on busy roads incorporating real traffic conditions and advanced road features. By completing Level 3 you will be able to make a trip safely to school, work or leisure on busy roads and using complex junctions and road features.

There’s a certificate and badge for each level.

How much does it cost?

Good news…..there is funding available for Level 2 from Cycling England

The Government have allocated funds to train children to level 2…...the aim is that cycle training will be available to all school children in the future.
So if you are reading this as a School please either contact me or your School Sports Partnership representative to enquire about free cycle training.
Otherwise, the costs are shown below. Travel costs will be charged at 40p per mile if applicable.

Bikeability Level 1
Level 1 is delivered in the school playground in 2 Sessions both of 1.5 hrs. Taught in groups of 10 to 15 children; it is designed to be fun and active. The opening section is on looking after your bike and checking it’s safe to ride. The skills are then taught through games and exercises.

£10 per child

Bikeability Level 2
Level 2 is delivered in 4 sessions of 2 hours or 5 sessions of 1.5 hours. (It’s your choice!)
The first session is in the playground to check bikes and riding abilities. The following sessions are all delivered on local quiet roads.
There can be up to 6 children per course and 2 courses can be run together.

£40 per child

Bikeability Level 3
Level 3 is delivered on a maximum ratio of 1:3 in a flexible number of sessions depending on the ability of the trainees: 2 hour sessions are recommended.
The first session will start off-road to check bike and riding abilities, it will then progress on to busier roads at the appropriate pace. A course of 3 sessions is recommended for key stage 3 children.

For 2/3 trainees the cost is £30 per hour
For 1:1 training offered to adults the cost is £25 per hour