National Standards Cycle Training

National Standards Cycle Training

  Each year Bedfordshire County Council’s Road Risk Advisory Unit organise cycle training in conjunction with Middle schools, community groups and youth organisations. This is achieved with the help of school co-ordinators, parents, instructors and volunteers.

Bikeability

Bikeability is the new recognised standard for cycle training and is the National Standard for the 21^st century. Designed to give cyclists the skills and confidence to ride their bikes on today’s roads and best meet the cycling training needs of young cyclists in Bedfordshire.

 There are three Bikeability levels

1. Level 1 is usually covered in a traffic free environment. By completing Level 1, the rider will be able to demonstrate the skills and understanding to be able to make a trip and undertake activities safely in a motor traffic free environment, and as a pre-requisite to a road trip.
2.  Level 2 is covered on quiet roads but with real traffic conditions. By completing level 2 the rider will be able to demonstrate the skills and understanding to be able to make a trip safely to school, work or leisure on quiet roads.
3. Level 3 is covered on busy roads incorporating real traffic conditions and advanced road features. By completing Level 3 the rider will be able to demonstrate the skills and understanding to be able to make a trip safely to school, work or leisure on busy roads and using complex junctions and road features.

The Bikeability award consists of a luminous metal badge, folder, booklet, and certificate.

Bikeability courses are run in school time, after school, in the evening, Saturdays and in school holidays.

 To attend one of these courses riders must have reached the minimum age of 10 years by the 31^st August of the current academic year and be able to ride and control their bike.

Bikeability is about teaching children to ride a bike and equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to ride a bike safely throughout the rest of their life. It is also about introducing them to cycling as an everyday activity-an alternative mode of transport, an enjoyable pastime, which brings a healthier lifestyle and ultimately lots of fun. Bikeability will give children a life skill that once they’ve learnt, they will never forget.

On yer bike

A best selling safe cycling video for young road users. This exciting fast pace video has been produced to promote the positive sides of safe cycling. It also shows the need to receive proper training and to wear the correct safety equipment to get the most out of cycling. On yer bike has been a best seller with local authorities for some 3 years.

Produced by young road users, for young road users and stars pupils from Holmemead Middle School, Sandy Upper School and Wootton Upper school.

On yer bike gives essential road safety advice in a dynamic and fun style, which appeals more directly to the target audience

Running time 18 minutes

Information leaflets can be obtained from the Road Safety team on 01234 228336 or visit the Road Safety web site at www.bedfordshire.gov.uk|