Bikeability Plus
We are pleased to announce the start of a pilot to enhance the Bikeability cycle training programme. Bikeability Plus is a suite of additional cycling activities and extra training based around the core Bikeability course. It comprises a number of modules for Bikeability providers to offer to schools and parents, each designed to address a specific barrier to cycling. It also helps to ensure that children and families are given the opportunities, skills, support and guidance they need to make cycling part of their everyday life. The content for the proposed Bikeability Plus modules is drawn from best practice from around England, voluntarily given by Bikeability providers.
The modules are being piloted in the following areas over the course of Spring 2015: Cambridgeshire, Bristol, Newcastle, Manchester, Wokingham, Hertfordshire, Southend, Plymouth, Leeds, Birmingham, Staffordshire, Cheshire East, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Merseyside and Peterborough.
Eleven Bikeability Plus modules make up the pilot:
- Bikeability Balance: Thismodule will provide Reception and Year 1 children with a positive early experience of using bikes. They will develop theirhandling and awareness skills through games and balance bikes.
- The Bikeability Bus: This module is a regular group ride to school for children, parents and school staff. It will start from a local landmark and pick up riders along the route.
- Bikeability Fix: Children will learn basic bike maintenance such as how to fix a puncture, or how to adjust their brakes. Children will also learn how to set up their bike so it fits them correctly.
- Bikeability Fun Time: This will be a community event where children and adults alike can have a go at cycling in a fun, family-friendly environment.
- Bikeability On Show: This module is an opportunity for parents and teachers to learn more about and witness the cycling skills that children have learnt through Bikeability training.
- Bikeability Parents: This module will offer Bikeability courses to parents and teachers so they can learn the same safe cycling principles learnt by children.
- Bikeability Primer: Primer is flexible, small group Bikeability training aimed at people who are struggling to get to grips with cycling or who want to make the transition from balance bike to pedal bike. The sessions can be focussed and tailored according to the needs and ability of the learner.
- Bikeability Recycled: This will be a community recycling event to increase access to bicycles in the community. People can bring bikes to donate or swap and mechanics will be there to refurbish the bikes.
- Bikeability Ride: This module involves a series of led leisure rides on low traffic or traffic free routes. These fun, relaxed rides will boost confidence and encourage everyday cycling.
- Bikeability School Award: This is a reward scheme for schools who offer Bikeability Plus modules. It will incentivise schools to take part in Bikeability Plus modules.
- Bikeability Transition: Transition provides pupils moving from primary to secondary school with a planned route to cycle to their new school. Instructors will lead a group of trainees on the planned route.
Bikeability Plus will be rolled out across the country subject to an evaluation of the pilot.