During 2023 we were busy organising lots of free learn to cycle sessions for children and adults in Swindon. These were really popular and we’ve been fortunate to have received further grant funding to organise more learn to cycle and cycle skills training in 2024.
Learning to cycle is just the first step and plenty of practice is needed to grow confidence and skills to make journeys by bike. The next step for most children is Bikeability training.
Bikeability is the government’s national cycle training programme, the modern day equivalent of the Cycling Proficiency. Level 1 of the Bikeability training takes place in a playground, then Level 2 involves training on quiet local streets, helping children learn practical skills to help them cycle on today’s roads.
As part of government targets to try to increase the number of children cycling, the Bikeability Trust have recently announced ambitious target to ensure that 80% of Year 6 pupils receive this training. Bikeability training is typically organised by children’s schools and available free of charge, thanks to funding from the Department for Transport.
Life Cycle UK has the contract for delivering Bikeability training to children in Swindon. Training normally takes place in Year 6 of Primary School when children are 10 or 11 years old.
Children need a roadworthy bike and helmet to take part in the training, but sometimes spare bikes may be available. (There are also schemes such as Matt Jones’ Christmas Bike Appeal which can provide a refurbished bike for your child this Christmas if you’re unable to afford one.)
Bikeability training aims to be inclusive. The local trainers, LifeCycle UK, encourage parents and guardians to get in touch beforehand to discuss child’s requirements and any adaptations which could be made to enable participation.
If children are unable to make the school sessions or are home educated then there are also limited Bikeability sessions available during the school holidays, you can sign up to be alerted of when the dates are added on the LifeCycle UK website.
For more information for both parents and schools about cycle training and Bikeability courses in Swindon see: www.lifecycleuk.org.uk/node/211
Swindon Cycle Campaign 
Leave a comment