National Standards adult cycle training

We want to see more people cycling, either for leisure or as a means of commuting to work. We also want cyclists to be safe and to improve people’s experience of cycling through our National Standards Cycle Training courses.

So you may be a beginner (despite the saying, not everyone can ride a bike), you could be someone returning to cycling after a few years’ break, a leisure cyclist wanting to improve technique or a commuter who is nervous about busy roads and complex junctions. Either way we have courses designed to get you on your bike and enjoying all the benefits that brings – improved health, more energy, more fun and savings to your travel costs.

Training overview

Our courses are based upon the National Standards for cycle training which are split in to 3 easy to understand levels each with clear aims and outcomes.

Level 1 techniques and skills

• Getting on and off
• Starting off and stopping
• Staying upright without wobbling
• Pedalling
• Steering and maintaining forward progress
• Cycling one handed/signalling
• Looking behind
• Use of gears

Level 2 techniques and skills

• Theory of on road cycling
• Getting on and off the bicycle and starting off
• Stopping
• Use of gears
• Cycling one handed/signalling
• Looking behind
• Turning right, left and overtaking parked vehicles on a variety of quiet roads
• Using cycling facilities

Level 3 techniques and skills

• On road theory as level 2 with additional theory as required to support the more advanced road work being undertaken
• The cycle as a vehicle
• Positioning and observation
• Level 1 & 2 skills
• Busier roads
• Complex turns, roads and junctions
• Roundabouts
• Signal controlled junctions
• Filtering
• Using cycling facilities
• Different types of cycle and their purpose
• Keeping a bicycle roadworthy
• Clothing for cycling
• Relevant accessories
  

For beginners

Learn how to balance, signal and manoeuvre. Learn about the basic techniques of safe and efficient cycling, how to set up and check your bike and advice on where to ride and find additional information.

Returners to cycling

Refresh your memory and boost your confidence after a break from cycling. If you haven’t ridden for a few years you may be shocked by how busy the roads have become. The good news is that provision for cyclists is improving in the UK. We can help by boosting your confidence, skills and cycling techniques.

Leisure cyclists

Pick up the cycling skills and knowledge you need to go down to the local park, or take a trip out into the countryside with your family.

Commuters

Our instructors can show you how to tackle busy roads and junctions with ease and confidence. We also have a number of services unique to commuter cyclists with our CycleToWork PLUS and Cycling Suits schemes.

Experienced cyclists

Is there a certain road or roundabout that you still find daunting? Come on a one-to-one lesson and get over your fears. There is always something new to learn even if you have been cycling for years.