Bikeability Level 1&2 training courses are delivered by qualified National Standards Cycling Instructors employed by Leicestershire County Council.

The aims of the Level 1&2 courses are to encourage and develop safe cycling skills, firstly in a controlled off-road setting (level 1). For level 2, riders will develop positive attitudes towards road use, increase knowledge and understanding of the road and traffic environment and gain confidence to use their bikes on the road.

The training is free of charge and is delivered to a national syllabus which aims to equip your child with the skills and confidence to cycle in a safe way.  All training is risk assessed. Your child will be provided with a high-viz vest to wear during the training.

More detailed information on all Bikeability training can be found at https://bikeability.org.uk/what/

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Bikeability Level 1 teaches the basics of operating a bicycle in a controlled environment.

  • Prepare for a journey
  • Check the cycle is ready for a journey
  • Set off, pedal, slow down and stop
  • Pedal (including looking behind, cycling one handed, turning and controlling speed)

Bikeability Level 2 teaches the basics of riding on the road.

  • Cycle safely and responsibly
  • Identify and respond to hazards
  • Start and stop on-road journeys
  • Maintain suitable riding positions
  • Share the road with others and communicate with other road users
  • Comply with signals, signs and road markings
  • Manage risk when cycling
  • Negotiate junctions (pass side roads, turn at T junctions, and crossroads and roundabouts if present).

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Pre-course Requirements

For your child’s comfort and safety and to ensure they receive the best possible training experience, please read the following pre course requirements.

Check Bikes

  • Brakes – must have TWO WORKING brakes! This is a legal requirement for riding on the road and has to be strictly enforced by Instructors who check the brakes are working by applying them in turn and rocking the wheels back and forth-there should be no movement. Make sure brake blocks are not loose and are touching the rim of the wheel when applied.
  • Saddle – should not move, either up or down or side to side.
  • Tyres/wheels – both tyres should be fully inflated and in good condition (i.e. no cracks or splits or worn out tread). Wheel nuts should be tight –if fitted with quick release levers they should be firmly closed
  • Chain and pedals – chain should be lubricated and not dry or brown or rusty. Pedals should spin freely on spindles.
  • Handlebars – stand with the front tyre gripped between your legs and try and turn the handlebars from side to side-they should not move independently of the wheel. Handlebar ends should be fitted with plugs so no bare metal is exposed.
  • If you are unsure about any aspect of bike checking, any local bike shop will be able to carry out a basic safety check as described above, though there may be a fee for this service.
  • In addition, there is a helpful video on Youtube here.

Check Helmets

  • It is a condition of your child receiving Leicestershire County Council Bikeability training that a helmet must be worn (unless religious or cultural exemptions apply).
  • Helmets should be in good condition with no cracks or splits and an appropriate size for the wearer.
  • Side buckles should be adjusted to sit just below each ear.
  • Chin strap– should be able to fit two fingers only between strap and chin.

Check Clothing

  • Should be appropriate for current and forecast weather. Training will continue in the rain and is very rarely cancelled for bad weather. In the summer please provide sun cream and a drink, while in the autumn and winter gloves are essential – cold hands means brakes become difficult to operate and may result in your child being unable to complete training.
  • Leggings, tracksuit bottoms or shorts are best-baggy trousers can catch in chains.
  • Shoes-flat soled with tread or grip-trainers or plimsolls are good, smooth soled school shoes are not appropriate.
  • Instructors will carry out a check of bikes, helmets and clothing before a course starts. They may make minor adjustments for comfort and safety but cannot undertake repairs or maintenance. If a bike is not in the condition described above, then in the interests of themselves and the wider group your child will not be able to participate in training.

Medical Conditions

  • If your child has any medical conditions or medication that you consider will impact on this training then it is your responsibility to inform the Bikeability Team.