Bikeability Plus

Series of 10 free-standing modules

Bikeability Plus is a suite of additional cycling activities and extra training for schools to compliment the core Bikeability courses. It aims to address some of the key barriers to get more children cycling more often.

Bikeability plus flow diagram

Bikeability Balance – A series of school-based sessions that aims to prepare children in Reception and Year 1 with the skills that they will need to take part in Bikeability Level 1, by using games and balance bikes to develop their handling and awareness.

Bikeability Learn to Ride – These sessions are for children or adults (family members or school staff) who are unable to cycle, including those children who are ready to make the move to riding with pedals.

Bikeability Balance – Older children who are struggling to master the skill or adults who have never learnt to cycle. Works well as a follow-on from Bikeability Balance and as a precursor to Bikeability Level 1 training.

Bikeability Ride – This is a suite of led rides to choose from. The rides follow pre-determined, low traffic/traffic-free routes and are designed to boost confidence for a variety of audiences who are new to returning to cycling in a bid to make cycling part of their routine. Best delivered shortly after Bikeability Level 2.

Bikeability Fix – These sessions teach Bikeability trainees how to perform basic maintenance on their bikes and, when run prior to courses, also serve to make sure that bikes are roadworthy when they are brought to training sessions.

Bikeability Promotion – This is a way for a us to provide an event where the local community can have a go at cycling in a fun, family atmosphere. The event is not structured, and focuses on ‘trying’ rather than ‘teaching’ or ‘training’. We are able to create an event that reflects the size of their local community and the resources available to them.

Bikeability Recycled – This is an initiative to redistribute bikes to those in the community who do not have the resources to buy their own. By providing families with better access to bikes for children, more will take part in Bikeability and make cycling a part of their life.

Bikeability Transition – This provides students moving from primary to secondary school with a planned route to cycle to their new school. The module should be delivered shortly before students make the move.

Bikeability School Award – This is a ‘super-module’ for Bikeability Plus that incentivises and rewards schools for taking part in Bikeability Plus modules. It can be considered as a ‘wrapper’ module for all the other modules.

Bikeability Bus – A group ride to school for children, parents and school staff. Starting from a local focal point, such as a park or hall, the Bus may 'pick up' riders along the way at pre-arranged 'stops' before reaching school.

Bikeability On Show – This allows parents and teachers to learn about and witness the skills that children have learnt during training. The most important outcome of this module is that parents and teachers gain a better understanding of course outcomes and why the outcomes are taught this way.

Bikeability Parents – This is Bikeability for Parents (and teachers). Since the principles and skills taught during a Bikeability course apply just as much to adults as they do to children, this is an opportunity for us to deliver our Bikeability course, slightly modified as necessary, to parents and teachers.

FAQs on cycling

How do you teach people to cycle?

Throughout the UK, 1 in 6 children and 1 in 8 adults have yet to learn how to ride a bike. We believe it is never too late to learn!

Our cycle skills training begins by developing the ability to balance. Children begin by learning to ride a ‘balance bike’ – a bike with no pedals and a lower centre of gravity than a typical pedal bike.

For adults, we have a fleet of specially build bikes, which also have no pedals. By removing the need to pedal, our coaching techniques enable you to grow in confidence by staying upright on two wheels. Once able to balance, the next step is to progress to using a pedal bike.

A fun and supportive atmosphere is encouraged by our instructors during our Learn to Balance and Ride sessions, where parents/guardians are encouraged to stay, watch and support.

Is it suitable if you have special needs?

We aim to make our cycling training programmes inclusive for all children and our fully trained instructors will be able to give children extra focus when needed. Learning the control, balance and co-ordination that is needed to cycle can be enormously beneficial and enjoyable to all children.

If you have any particular concerns regarding your child’s participation please get in touch with the co-ordinator for training in your local area, as alternative training may be available.

What age can my children start cycling with me?

You can start cycling with your children from when they are a baby (typically three months), transporting them in a child trailer. When children can sit upright, (nine months) front or rear child seats become an option and can accommodate children up to 5 years old.

When your child is able to balance and ride their own bike, (usually from three years), they can accompany you, cycling on the pavement or one of the growing number of off-road routes. By four years old, trailer bikes become an option for longer trips as do a child-back tandem. These allow the child to take part and pedal when they want to. Some children have well-developed ‘road-sense’ and are capable of riding on quieter roads, with an adult from about six years old, but this does vary.

Can I cycle on the pavement?

Strictly speaking no, it is illegal to cycle on the pavement. The exception is where there is a segregated pedal cycle and pedestrian route which is indicated by signs and markings displayed along the route.

Do I need a licence to ride a bike?

No you do not. Anyone can ride a bike on the road. We recommend however that children are supervised and before anyone takes to the road it is worth considering getting some cycle training.

Do I need to wear a helmet whilst cycling?

It is not compulsory by law to wear a helmet when cycling but we do recommend it for both on and off-road cycling. We insist on helmets being worn when delivering cycle training to young children. See our bike and clothing checklist.

How much can I expect to pay for a new bike?

You can pay anything from £50 to £5000 depending on the type of bike you wish to purchase. We recommend you focus on quality rather than price alone.

We recommend Raleigh Cycles who we believe offer the best mid-range quality cycles for the family, as well as offering quality folding bikes, mountain bikes and elite sports bikes. For quality children’s bikes expect to pay £150 to £250 and for a quality adult commuter bike expect to pay about £300 to £500.

Becoming increasingly popular is the electric bike, where prices range from £600 - £3000.

Have a cycling requirement?

Call us on 03300 241 783 or complete the contact form

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