Cycle training for children aged 9 and over to help build the skills and confidence to ride a bike safely on the road. 

Bikeability 

Bikeability is a 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. 

There’s an Ipsos MORI report outlining the positive impact the Bikeability scheme has on children and their parents. 

Booking 

We do not currently have any scheduled courses but if you are interested in a course, please email bikeability@bcpcouncil.gov.uk with:

• parent's name
• child's age and school
• contact telephone number and email address
• the type of course you're interested in
• location (Kings Park Cycle Centre, Bournemouth Velodrome or Slades Park)
• when you would like the course to be (school holidays, Saturdays).

Level 1 and 2 Bikeability course  

This 2-day course combines levels 1 and 2 and requires children to attend both days, although they must pass Level 1 before being able to progress to Level 2. 

The course is for children who: 

• are aged between 9 and 16 years 
• can ride a bike one handed so they’re able to indicate and look over their shoulder 
• have their own bike and helmet
• have permission from a parent or carer to take part 
• live or go to school in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole. 

Level 1 focuses on the skills necessary to be able to control a bike, with the training taking place in a secure environment away from cars and traffic. We’ll also check helmets are correctly fitted and the bikes are roadworthy. 

Training will include the use of gears, riding while signalling, emergency stops, negotiating obstacles and looking all around.   

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 and 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 roads.  

Riders will learn how to: 

• start and finish a journey 
• pass side roads and parked vehicles 
• make left, right and U turns 
• position themselves when riding on the road 
• be aware of everything around them while riding 
• explain decisions made during cycling to demonstrate their 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 the Level 3 course. 

Instructors 

Our instructors are all fully qualified to the national standard, DBS checked and trained in first aid. They also receive annual safeguarding training. 

Cost

Courses are charged at £5 per person, which is fully refundable if you cancel from the course with at least 24 hour’s notice.  

Our Bikeability scheme is part subsidised by The Bikeability Trust, via DfT funding.  

Contact us 

You can contact us at:

When you book your child on a course, you’ll be given a number to contact us and mobile telephone numbers for your child's instructors on the day. 

Sometimes emails may get caught in the junk or spam folder, so do check these if you’re expecting an email from us.