Something we’re sure many cyclists think they don’t need, but the reality is, everyone can learn something from it. We learn something new everyday, so why not make it bike related and improve yours and your fellow cycling friends’ safety. 

Bikeability is all about teaching two-wheel skills. Teaching you how to be safe on today’s roads, because yesterday’s were completely different. Drivers aren’t the same, potholes can appear overnight and you might end up cycling with a newbie. 

You can start bikeability as a kid, if you’re lucky enough to cycle at a young age. You can also learn it as an adult. Everyone needs to be safe on the roads, no matter your age. 

Bikeability sessions 

It will teach you many great things to help you be safe and enjoy cycling more. Here’s some of the stuff you may learn. 

The positives gained from bikeability:

• Learn to ride a bike while balanced and confident 
• Learn to use your gears appropriately
• Learn to use different types of pedals and shoes
• Learn different hand signals 
• Learn vocal signals 
• Learn how to ride close to other people 
• Learn to ride in traffic and the correct road rules

There are three levels of bikeability:

• Level 1 – teaches basic bike handling skills in a traffic free environment. 
• Level 2 – teaches trainees to cycle planned routes on minor roads, offering a real cycling experience.
• Level 3 – ensures trainees are able to manage a variety of traffic conditions and is delivered on busier roads with advanced features and layouts. 

Basic skills

• Check – perform an “ABCD” safety check of your air, brakes, chain and direction before every ride.
• Look – be aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Move – ride in the safest place for you, not in the gutter where you may hit potholes and puncture. 
• Communication – key to being safe on the roads, especially when riding on busy roads and in groups. 
• Road Safety – learn the road rules and stick to them (check out our blog on updates to the Highway Code for important rules that relate to cyclists). 
• Groups – learn to cycle confidently next to other people, including going past parked cars, (check out our series on group riding skills and hand signals for more information).

UK cycling 

Cycling within the UK will provide you with some of the most amazing routes, both on road and off road, with family and friends. 

Once you’re confident cycling on the roads your bike can take you anywhere – a backpacking holiday, a camping trip off road or a family trip around Europe. It does it all. 

If you’re doing the bikeability to enable you to commute to work, we can help you purchase your first bike. 

If you’re thinking of joining a club, we would highly recommend mastering your skills with bikeability. Not only will you be more balanced and stable, but you’ll be more confident manoeuvring around the group. 

Courses

There are many accredited bikeability courses around the UK. Have a look here to locate your closest options. 

The courses are run by trained instructors working for registered schemes, to help you gain the wings on wheels you need. 

Cycling is a life skill and privilege, and a huge benefit to your wellbeing. Let’s all be safe whilst doing it.