Cycle Training

Bikeability is the National Standard for Cycle Training, which has been designed by the leading experts in the field of road safety as well as cycling.

The principal outcome of Bikeability is

‘More people cycling more often and more safely’

Bikeability students are encouraged to learn interactively as opposed to simply being told what to do.

The courses are designed to be both educational and enjoyable with the emphasis on safety. Learning to cycle safely can make an enormous contribution to some of society’s biggest challenges, in particular sustainable travel and health. Bikeability is one activity among a number of projects developed to influence travel choice.

Bikeability, based on three levels, is designed to give cyclists the skills and confidence to ride their bikes on today's roads.

Local Courses

Cycle training in Bedford for children and those adults who have never cycled or have not cycled for some time is available from a number of sources.

Bedford Borough Council each year receives a grant from the government to give free cycle training to Bikeability Level 1 to year 4 pupils (aged 8) and Level 2 to year 6/7 pupils (aged 10/11) in the borough's primary and secondary schools. Some limited availability Level 3 training is available to pupils in secondary schools who have already completed Levels 1 and 2. All the Bikeability cycle training courses are now outsourced to Outspoken Training.

In the first instance it is recommended that your child's school is contacted to check if they are running courses.

For further details contact: (01234) 228336 or e-mail: road.safety@bedford.gov.uk.

Bedford Borough Council Sports Development Unit have in previous years also organised cycle lessons although none are available in 2019.

For details of future courses for both children and adults contact 01234 718827 or visit their website and follow the various links.

Bedford Modern School as part of their Holiday activity courses also run Bikeability Level 2 courses for 10 to 14 year olds at Manton Lane, Bedford.

For details of their next courses contact: 01234 3325667 or e-mail: holiday@bedmod.co.uk. All current holiday activity courses are shown on their website here.

Adult Beginners Cycle Course

Sustrans has for a number of years offered an Adult Beginners Cycle Course which is for adults who are unable to ride a bike and would like to learn. The course is led by an experienced cycle trainer and can take place where ever is convenient for you within the Bedford area. If you don't have a bike, one can be loaned to you. This course lasts about 1.5 hours and costs £5 , payable in advance. If you, or someone you know, are interested in finding out more please contact Bedford@sustrans.org.uk or call 01234 276 048.

There are also a number of independent qualified trainers.

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