Bikeability
Bikeability is the cycle training program that replaced cycling proficiency. It gives people of all ages and abilities the skills and confidence for all kinds of cycling.
All our training is carried out by qualified National Standard Instructors who are Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checked and employed by our Road Safety team.
Page contents
Bikeability levels
There are three Bikeability levels and each is designed to improve cycling skills.
Level 2 courses include level 1 outcomes. You will need to have completed level 2 before you can take part in level 3.
Level 1
This is a 2-hour long introduction to riding on the road.
Riders are trained to:
- fit a cycle helmet correctly
- carry out a basic bike maintenance check
- carry out basic control manoeuvres such as signalling, looking behind and stopping quickly
Riders are trained in small groups in a space away from traffic such as a playground or closed car park.
Level 2
This is delivered on quiet roads.
Riders are trained to:
- start and stop safely
- adopt the correct road position
- communicate with other road users
- being aware of who has priority
- safely pass parked vehicles
- manoeuvre in and out of junctions
Level 3
This is delivered on busier and more complex roads.
Riders are trained to negotiate:
- roundabouts
- multi-lane roads
- traffic lights
- route planning where possible
You can visit the Bikeability website to find out more information about the program.
SEND Riders
We support riders of all abilities. Working in partnership with Warmley Wheelers we can hire all ability cycles such as trikes, recumbent bikes, as well as more specialist cycles including hand propelled wheelchairs and horizontal tandem cycles.
Other cycling courses available
Bikeability Balance
This is a course to help riders who cannot yet ride a bike to gain confidence with their balance and co-ordination skills.
Bikeability Learn to Ride
This is a course for children and adults who have not learnt to ride a bike. It is suitable for children in Year 3 and above.
Adult cycle training
If you are new or returning to cycling and would like help to gain confidence we can provide 1 to 1 or group tuition.
We have a limited number of first sessions available for free while any following sessions will be charged at £20 per hour.
Bikeability in schools and school holidays
Bikeability in schools
We can provide Bikeability courses to schools in South Gloucestershire.
For all course levels riders must:
- be able to already ride a bike
- have a roadworthy bike to use
- wear a properly fitted cycle helmet
A consent form will need to be completed for children taking part in Level 2 and 3 courses.
Primary school
Level 1
This is a 2-hour training course for pupils in Year 3 and 4 and takes place in your school playground.
It is usually for up to 12 riders but depending on the size of the playground we could accommodate a whole class.
This course is normally run during a morning session.
Level 2
This course is on-road training for children in Year 5 and 6 and is designed to teach riders to ride on local roads.
The training is 5 sessions of 90 minutes. It can be run once a week or over the course of a week depending on availability during the term.
Training sessions are run from:
• 9.15am to 10.45am
• 11am to 12.30pm
• 1.15pm to 2.45pm
All morning courses can have a maximum number of 20 riders. Afternoon courses can have a maximum of 10 riders.
We can book more than one course to allow a greater number to train depending on local roads.
Each session builds on from the previous session so if a rider is absent for any reason during their course they will not be allowed to continue.
Secondary school
Level 3
This 4-hour long course is aimed at pupils in Year 7 and above who have already achieved Level 2 Bikeability. Training is on busier roads and more complex junctions.
How to book
Email cycle.training@southglos.gov.uk to book a course.
Schools can book courses a term in advance.
Bikeability in school holidays
We offer school holiday cycle training courses.
All of our courses will be led by Bikeability instructors who are Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checked and employed by our Road Safety team.
Course conditions
To take part in a Bikeability course all riders must:
- have a roadworthy bike and be able to ride it
- wear a properly fitted cycle helmet
- have a signed and completed consent form
There is a £5 booking fee per person per course.
Bikeability levels
You can find out which Bikeability training session is most appropriate for you or your child as follows:
Bikeability Learn to Ride
This is a course for children and adults who have not learnt to ride a bike. It is suitable for children in Year 3 and above.
Level 1
This is a 2-hour long introduction to riding on the road.
Riders are trained to:
- fit a cycle helmet correctly
- carry out a basic bike maintenance check
- carry out basic control manoeuvres such as signalling, looking behind and stopping quickly
Riders are trained in small groups in a space away from traffic such as a playground or closed car park.
Level 2
This is delivered on quiet roads.
Riders are trained to:
• start and stop safely
• adopt the correct road position
• communicate with other road users
• being aware of who has priority
• safely pass parked vehicles
• manoeuvre in and out of junctions
Level 3
This is delivered on busier and more complex roads.
Riders are trained to negotiate:
• roundabouts
• multi-lane roads
• traffic lights
• route planning where possible
Children must have completed level 2 before they can do level 3.
More information
For our courses to run we need a minimum number of children to be attending on the date. Locations of training may vary according to availability.
How to book
You can send an email to cycle.holiday@southglos.gov.uk.
If you cannot expand the sections above, try refreshing your browser.
Contact us
For more information about Bikeability or to book a course you can contact us using the details in the contact box of this page.