Bikeability cycle training

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

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 our Bikeability Level 1 & 2 combined course for schools.

Levels 1 and 2 (Years 5 and 6)

Bikeability Level 1&2

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

Level 1 and 2 module details
School years	Trainees per course	Cost per rider	Duration	Location
Years 5 and 6	10 to 12	£20	2 days	School playground, then quiet local roads

We do not charge for Pupil Premium children. We will send an invoice for payment based on the confirmed numbers. If the school isn’t funding the training, parents or guardians will be required to pay the fee directly to the school.

Holiday Bikeability training

We also run cycle courses for children during holidays and bike loans and helmets can be provided free of charge. If you are a parent or guardian interested in being on our mailing list and getting advance notice to book future training, please complete our holiday expression of interest form.

Select a topic below to find out more about Bikeability modules during holidays.

Learn to Ride (Ages 7 to 16)

Learn to Ride module details
Trainees per course	Cost per rider	Duration	Location
6	£15	Two sessions of 45 minutes	Odd Down Sports Ground cycle track, Bath BA2 2PR

This module aims to teach children who cannot cycle a pedal bike.

Levels 1 and 2 (Ages 9 to 12)

Level 1 and 2 module details
Trainees per course	Cost per rider	Duration	Location
12	£20	2 days	Odd Down Sports Ground cycle track, Bath, BA2 2PR, 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.

Children eligible for free school meals can book free Level 1 and 2 combined training through the Holiday Activity Food programme.

Dr Bike (All ages)

Dr Bike details
Cost	Duration	Location
Free	30 mins	Different venues in Somer Valley

This service is an opportunity to get a free bike safety check, have minor repairs carried out on the spot, and receive a prescription that identifies areas which require further work.

One to one adult cycle training

We also regularly run one-to-one cycle courses for individuals over 18. Bike loan and helmet can be provided free of charge.

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.

Learn to Ride

Learn to Ride module details
Cost per rider	Duration	Location
Free	2 hours	Off road; Odd Down Sports Ground car park, Bath, BA2 2PR

This module aims to teach adults who cannot cycle a pedal bike.

Cycle confidence training

Cycle confidence training module details
Cost per rider	Duration	Location
Free	2 hours	On road; starting from Odd Down Sports Ground car park, Bath, BA2 2PR

This module aims to teach adults with the needs of the individual in mind.

Legal regulations and protections

! Warning To apply for or take part in Bikeability cycle training, you will need to understand and agree to certain legal regulations. These exist to ensure participants and their personal data are protected.

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
Supporting riders with SEND training

If you have any questions about our Bikeability courses, please contact us by email at bikeability@bathnes.gov.uk

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