Cycle training FAQs
Is there a charge for training?
All training is free of charge for people who live, work or study in the borough. Most training has qualification criteria, please see each training description for further details.
Who is the training delivered by?
Training is delivered by accredited National Standard cycle instructors who have undergone a recent Criminal Records Bureau check and who are experienced at delivering training to a variety of abilities, ages and groups of people. Instructors will follow the National Syllabus (PDF, 28KB) and all training sessions start at the beginning of the syllabus.
The training is delivered at the pace of the trainee's learning and instructors will not move on to the next stage until they are confident that the previous skill has been learned and performed independently and consistently. Previous skills and knowledge are taken account of and experienced cyclists will find they progress rapidly through the syllabus, picking up hints and tips along the way.
Do I need a bike?
It is desirable that you have your own bike for training so that you can become familiar with the bike you will be using day to day. You can then go away and practise the skills you have learnt - an essential component of the training programme.
Some bikes are available for people over 1.5m/ 4' 11" for some of the types of training, please see each training summary for details. There may be a charge for bike hire.
Do I need a helmet?
Cycle training is available for anyone who lives, works or studies in the borough regardless of what sort of equipment they have. It is not a legal requirement to wear a helmet whilst cycling and if you choose to wear one during training the instructor will teach you how to check it and ensure that it is fitted correctly. It's your responsibility to provide one that's in a good condition and which also conforms to the EN1078 European standard.
Is it safe?
The aim of the training is to give you more skills and knowledge to give you the confidence to ride your bike. The training will be as low risk as possible, whether you are riding in the park or on the road.
The instructors are professionally qualified and will risk assess each training location prior to and throughout your session. They will ask you about your cycling history and what your cycling aims are so that the lesson is appropriate to you. You will not be asked to do anything you do not have the skills or confidence to do.
All instructors undergo an Enhanced CRB check, are trained in Child Protection Issues, hold HSE First Aid qualifications, are insured and undergo ongoing professional development and monitoring to ensure that they are delivering a safe, fun and informative session every time.
Page updated: 24 Aug 2011
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