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Cycle training for children in the holidays

The combined level 1 and 2 course is run at a variety of venues throughout the county during the summer holidays. Courses are occasionally run during other holiday periods.

A list of venues is usually available 4 - 6 weeks before the course.

Cycle courses normally consist of 5 daily sessions (1 of 2 hours and 4 of 75 minutes) between 9.45am and 12.15pm, or 1.00pm and 3.30pm. Morning courses are usually filled first and afternoon courses run only if numbers are sufficient.

The first two hour session will consist of a cycle check and level 1 practical riding skills on the playground. Participants must reach the required standard of cycle control in order to proceed to the level 2 on-road sessions that follow, and must be at least 10 years old by 31 August. Cycle helmets must be worn when riding and cyclesmust be in a roadworthy condition or children will not be allowed to continue the course.

The cost of the course is £40 for each child. There is a half price concession if you get income support or income based jobseeker allowance.

Places are limited and bookings are made on a first come, first served basis. However courses may be cancelled if there is not enough demand.

Information for parents

Children attending the combined Level 1 and 2 course must

• be 10 years of age (by 31 August this school year) or older
• have a cycle in road worthy condition
• have a properly adjusted cycle helmet to be worn when riding

No other special clothing is needed - just sensible shoes and comfortable clothes (i.e. nothing that is too long or loose that is liable to get caught in the chain, spikes or pedals). Flourescent tabards are provided for children to wear when riding on the road.

Scheduled courses take place whatever the weather is like. Therefore, if it is wet or if rain is forecast, children must have their own suitable waterproof clothing.

The course consists of 5 daily sessions (1 of 2 hours and 4 of 75minutes) plus homework. Children will need to attend each day.

The first session consists of a cycle check, and an assessment of riding skills on the playground.

Participants must reach the required standard in cycle control in order to proceed to the on-road riding sessions that follow.

On days 2, 3, 4 and 5 sessions consist of basic manoeuvres at local road junctions. These include left and right hand turns and over taking parked vehicles.

Parents can help their child progress through the course by giving support beforehand.

They can:

• Ensure children study and learn pages 14 - 19 and 24 - 29 of Arrive Alive, the Highway Code for Young Road Usersand complete the question paper. This will be given out before the course.
• Ensure all homework tasks are completed and returned before the end of the course.
• Adjust the cycle helmet to fit correctly.
• Check that the cycle is roadworthy and adjusted to fit their child.
• Check their child is able to:
  • start and stop safely
  • ride in a straight line
  • use their gears
  • control their cycle when looking behind and when signalling.

Children will not be allowed to continue on road if they are unable to do this.

Please note that this course is not designed to teach children to ride

• advise the instructor if their child has special needs or there is anything they need to be aware of.

Only children who reach the required standard by the end of the course will receive a certificate of competence.

If you wish to be added to our waiting list for next summer use the link below.