Bikeability is our national cycle training scheme. It's like cycling proficiency, but better. It's about gaining practical skills and understanding how to cycle on today's roads. There are three Bikeability levels, each designed to improve cycling skills.

Level 1 and 2 Bikeability Course 

This two day course is a combined Level 1 and 2 course and children must attend both days.  

Level 1 focuses on the skills necessary to be able to control a bike. The training takes place in a secure environment away from cars and traffic.  We will check helmets are correctly fitted and the bikes are roadworthy.  Training will include the use of gears, riding whilst signalling, emergency stops and negotiating obstacles, looking all around you, including behind.  Although this is a two day course, encompassing both Level 1 and Level 2, children must pass Level 1 before being able to progress onto Level 2.

Level 2 is delivered on local, residential roads. It gives riders a real cycling experience that equips them with skills to deal with traffic on short local journeys, such as cycling to school or the local shops. Level 2 will encourage and develop safe cycling skills, develop positive attitudes towards road use, increase knowledge and understanding of the road and traffic environment and give riders the confidence to use their bicycles on local road. Riders will learn how to:

• start and finish a journey
• pass side roads and parked vehicles
• make left, right and U turns
• understand where to position yourself when riding on the road
• to be aware of everything around them whilst riding
• to explain decisions made during cycling and thereby demonstrate understanding of a safe cycling strategy.

Children who have successfully completed Level 1 and 2 and are already an experienced and confident cyclist can progress to our Level 3 course.

The courses take place at Kings Park Cycle Centre and are available to children who:

• are aged between 9and 16 years old for Level 1 and 2.
• can ride a bike one handed in order to indicate and look over their shoulder.
• have their own bike and helmet and have permission from a parent or carer to take part
• live or go to school in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area.

Instructors

Our instructors are all fully qualified to the National Standard, are DBS checked, first aid trained and receive annual Safeguarding Training.