Sustainable travel training for schools

Bikeability cycle training

Bikeability cycle training equips children with vital life skills. Pupils not only learn to cycle, but they also gain independence, social skills and a sense of wellbeing. After Bikeability, children are better at responding to risk and report increased confidence. As a result, more children cycle to school which in turn improves mental health and wellbeing.

There are 3 Bikeability levels:

Level 1

This is aimed at children who can ride a bike without stabilisers. Level 1 takes place off-road, normally on the school playground. This means that children can learn in a traffic-free environment. Most children take part in level 1 at school during year 3 or 4, this is when they are between 7 and 9 years old.

Level 2

Teaches children how to gain more confidence when cycling. Level 2 takes place on quiet roads; a trained instructor leads a cycle ride with key skills learnt along the way. Most children take part in level 2 at school during year 5 or 6. This is when they are between 9 and 11 years old.

Level 3

Builds on the skills learnt in levels 1 and 2, encouraging more confidence and riding in more complex situations. Level 3 is available for children aged 11 or over and is taught in year 7 onwards.

Awards

Certificates and shiny, luminous, badges for each level are awarded to children who successfully complete each course.

Funding

The Department for Transport funds Bikeability cycle training for schools. We've secured a grant to cover the costs of providing Bikeability training to pupils by the time they complete year 6. This training is arranged by schools, ideally during the school day, and is highly recommended for all pupils.

In Central Bedfordshire it is not mandatory for pupils to complete cycle training before being allowed to cycle to school. Schools are encouraged to develop their own cycling policies.

Find a provider

Visit Bikeability's website for a list of local providers.

Scooter training

The aim of this training is to use scooters as a fun and active way to revise and reinforce basic pedestrian safety messages. The key safety messages are equally relevant to younger children as well as older children who walk or scoot independently to school. Our quick training guide is for teachers to use as part of the curriculum, at lunchtime or during after school clubs.

Find out more in our scooter training guidance for schools. If schools would also like to discuss this training with their pupils during assemblies, please contact travelchoices@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk for our presentation slides.

Ground rules

  • we should only scoot when told to and always follow instructions
  • we should always be aware - look around and always listen
  • everyone to be kind and patient with each other
  • always take care of your scooter

Surroundings

  • where should we ride scooters?
  • never scoot on the road or down steep hills
  • look out for holes and bumps – these can catch your wheels
  • wear sensible clothes and footwear – always carry things in a rucksack
  • how do we cross the road when we are walking?
  • how should we push a scooter across the road? Always dismount to cross
  • how should we carry a scooter?
  • explain the importance of stopping, looking and listening – remember your ‘Stepping out safely’ training

Sharing the path

  • explain about overtaking on the path – be aware of other users and be polite
  • pedestrians have priority – push your scooter on crowded paths
  • what should pupils do if there is no space to overtake?
  • how can pupils let others know that they are close by and why is this important?
  • always remember to check driveways – be aware of car users/ reversing cars
  • what to do when there are cars parked on the pavement

Scooter check

Let’s have a scoot round

  • scoot with your right leg and then your left
  • scoot to cones which are placed either end of the playground
  • scooting is fun, but not too fast!

Stopping

  • brakes
  • feet – don’t use your toes
  • jumping off – keep your scooter close
  • let’s try each way:
    • which is the fastest?
    • which gives you most control?

Remind pupils about braking and stopping in wet weather.

Cornering

  • pupils should be taught to slow down when scooting around corners
  • practice around cones
  • incorporate small turns of the handlebar rather than one big twist

Swerve or slalom

  • practice using the body to steer rather than the handlebar

Gliding

  • mark up an area for pupils to glide through – pupils should move off safely, get up to a reasonable speed, balance and then drift

Games

  • stopping race: race together, glide and stop with front wheel on the line – try to stop with the back wheel on the line
  • mark out an area: scoot through the gaps
  • slalom course: place cones around the playground
  • follow the leader – keep your distance
  • relay challenge: split into teams and use one scooter per team as a baton
  • gliding: how far can you go – can you reach the end of the playground?
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