Use this page to find out about the Bikeability programme, which we use to provide cycle training to residents of B&NES.
Teaching people to cycle can give access to cheaper transport, reduce traffic congestion, tackle environmental issues linked to motorised vehicles and significantly improve physical health and mental wellbeing.
Bikeability is a cycling training programme that aims to help you cycle to the National Cycling Standard. It's about gaining practical skills and becoming confident to make safe and responsible on-road journeys. That means making frequent observations, choosing suitable riding positions, communicating intentions clearly to others, and understanding priorities when negotiating shared spaces.
School Bikeability training
Most of our work involves supporting children in school. We have a waiting list that we are progressing in order and aim to offer training dates 3 to 6 months in advance of a school’s preferred training period.
If you are a school interested in booking a Bikeability course, please complete our school expression of interest form.
Select a topic below to find out more about Bikeability modules for schools.
Bikeability Level 1&2
Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES) Council is the approved Bikeability scheme provider for your area. We deliver combined Level 1 (off-road) and Level 2 (on-road) training to Year 5 and Year 6 pupils. This module aims to teach trainees to be confident and competent at cycling on quiet roads.
To attend this course, riders must be able to ride a bike (set off, pedal, slow down and stop). Trainees will need to show that they meet Level 1 assessment criteria to take part in Level 2.
We can train as many pupils as needed but may split them into groups to meet the legal instructor-to-rider ratio (maximum 12 riders per group with 2 instructors). At the end of their training, each rider will receive a Bikeability certificate, personalised feedback, and a badge, regardless of their level of achievement.
The course runs over two full school days as follows:
Day One
- 8:45 - Instructors will sign in to reception and present their DBS check documents
- 9:00 to 9:30 - Pupils leave their bikes on the playground for safety checks
- 9:30 to lunch break - Level 1 activities on the playground (morning break is included)
- End of lunch break to 3pm - Level 2 activities on low-traffic, risk-assessed roads
Day Two
- 8:45 - Instructors will sign in to reception
- 9:00 to lunch break - Level 2 activities on local risk-assessed roads (a morning break is included)
- End of lunch break to 3pm - Level 2 activities on low-traffic, risk-assessed roads
| School years | Trainees per course | Cost per rider | Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Years 5 and 6 | 10 to 12 | £15 | 8 hours over 2 days | School playground, then quiet local roads |
Holiday Bikeability training
We also run cycle courses for children and families during holidays. If you are a parent or guardian interested in being on our mailing list and getting advance notice to book future training, please register your interest on our holiday expression of interest form.
Select a topic below to find out more about Bikeability modules during holidays.
| Trainees per course | Cost per rider | Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | £15 | Two 45-minute sessions | Free Rangers Forest School Nursery, The Mill Barn, Manor Farm, Millards Hill, Midsomer Norton BA3 2BW |
This module aims to teach children who cannot cycle a pedal bike.
| Trainees per course | Cost per rider | Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | £15 | 8 hours over 2 days | Odd Down Sports Ground cycle track, then quiet local roads |
This module aims to teach trainees to be confident and competent at cycling on quiet roads. To attend this course, riders must be able to ride a bike (set off, pedal, slow down and stop). Trainees will need to show that they meet Level 1 assessment criteria to take part in Level 2.
| Trainees per course | Cost per rider | Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 6 riders | Free | 3 hours | Free Rangers Forest School Nursery, The Mill Barn, Manor Farm, Millards Hill, Midsomer Norton BA3 2BW |
This module aims to instruct the lead family member(s) to shepherd the group, with the needs of individual families in mind.
Any group with at least one over 18-year-old and one under 18-year-old is eligible for this course.
Adult cycle training
We also regularly run one-to-one cycle courses for adults. We have a waiting list that we are progressing in order and aim to offer training dates as soon as we can.
If you are an adult interested in booking a free cycle training, please complete our adult expression of interest form.
Select a topic below to find out more about Bikeability modules for adults.
| Trainees per course | Cost per rider | Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Free | Two 1 hour sessions | Off road; any location in Bath and North East Somerset |
This module aims to teach adults who cannot cycle a pedal bike.
| Trainees per course | Cost per rider | Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Free | One 2 hour session | On road; any location in Bath and North East Somerset |
This module aims to teach adults with the needs of the individual in mind. For example, to help with the commute to work or the school run.
Legal regulations and protections
- View the Bikeability course booking terms and conditions (including mobile phone usage protocol for cycling instructors)
- View our privacy notice for Bikeability participants
- View the Bikeability controller-to-controller data sharing agreement for school bookings
Further information
During Bikeability modules, all manoeuvres are demonstrated first by our qualified Level 2 Cycling Instructors. All instructors are B&NES Council employees who have undertaken the following training:
- NSPCC Child protection in sport and physical activity training
- Level 3 in Paediatric First Aid training
- Diverse inclusive cycle training
If you have any questions about our Bikeability courses, please contact us by email at bikeability@bathnes.gov.uk