This page is here to help you understand what you can expect at your cycle training lessons. We have covered such things as:
If there is anything we have missed off that you would like to know about a cycle training lesson don't hesitate to contact us, we are here to help.
1. Before your first session
1.1 Think about why you are taking cycle training
Your instructor will ask you why you’re doing this training and what you want to get out of it. You might like to give this some thought. Why are you taking training? Do you have a particular trip or purpose in mind, such as cycling to work? Do you want to go cycling with family or friends?
Your instructor will also want to know if you have any particular issues that you would like covering. Did you enjoy cycling in the past, or has something put you off cycling recently? When did you last cycle?
The two of you should develop plans for each training session and for your training as a whole. This will give you something to aim for and to measure your progress against.
Your instructor will ask you about your experience of cycling and how you rate your abilities. They will also ask you to demonstrate your ability by performing a few simple manoeuvres.
This is not a test! It is not important whether or not you are able to do anything that is suggested, it merely helps your instructor to consider the best training area for you and tailor a training session to your needs.
2. At your first lesson Go back to top
Some courses start with a classroom session, or meet you at your home or office, others start straight away with bikes in an open area. There is no right or wrong method, but all accredited instructors will start with a introductory session. Your instructor will run through the points above from the preparations above and answer any questions you have about the training, your bike and equipment.
The bike check will take place before you do any cycling. This is a good opportunity to learn some of the basic operating theory about bikes so it forms part of the lesson, especially for those who have never come to terms with 21 gears!
Your instructor will ask you to mount the bicycle, start and stop, cycle straight ahead, look over your shoulder, take one hand from the handle bars and use your gears. This is not a test, it is a pre-assessment to make sure your training is suitable.
The assessment is also a further opportunity to check that your bike is correctly set up for your build and that gears and brakes work effectively.
Following your assessment your instructor will go through a proposed training programme to meet your needs. The national Cycle Training Certificate has three levels and your instructor will usually suggest the level you should be aiming for at first, then you can progress at your own speed as you build confidence and competence.
3. Course Content Go back to top
Training accredited by CTC falls into three levels. Theses have been carefully chosen to match the needs of most clients. However instructors are flexible, and will devise a course to suit your needs after assessing your initial skills
3.1 Level 1: Basic Skills
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There are many reasons why someone misses out on learning to ride a bike but the great thing is that you are never to old to learn! Some beginners have previously had bad experiences whilst trying to learn that has left them feeling fearful about falling and without any confidence in their ability to learn the skill of cycling.
The basic skills are taught off public roads, and give the less confident cyclist a chance to practise in a traffic free environment. These sessions are mainly aimed at people who consider themselves non-cyclists, or have never learnt how to use all the equipment like gears effectively.
This includes
- The theory of how to stay upright
- Stopping (the most important skill to learn to prevent you from falling)
- Getting on and off your bicycle
- Starting off
- Pedalling
- Steering and maintaining forward progress
- Getting on and off your bicycle and starting off
- Use of gears
- Cycling one handed / signalling
- Looking behind
In addition your instructor will start to advise you on the following essential information for anyone taking up cycling. At each stage of training you will learn a little more in these areas
- Different types of cycle and their purpose
- Keeping a bicycle roadworthy
- Clothing for cycling (including relevant safety equipment)
- Relevant accessories
By the end of the training programme you will be able to cycle. Once you can ride a bicycle it is important to practice your new skill as much as you can. When you can perform the above manoeuvres Competently, Confidently and Consistently you will be ready to think about making your first cycling trips.
3.2 Level 2 - introduction to on road cycling
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This programme is for those who have completed the basic skills course or are comfortable with bike riding, but want to start using roads and cycle networks.
The course will cover:
- The theory of on-road cycling. This may be covered as a classroom based exercise, with the use of crib sheets or as the on-road session progresses
- Getting on and off your 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 on and off road
By the end of the training session you should be starting to feel confident about making manoeuvres on quiet roads in a given area. It is important to practice your new skills as much as you can. When you can perform the above manoeuvres Competently, Confidently and Consistently you may want to consider further training.
3.3 Level 3 - Full course
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This programme is for those who have completed the basic skills and intermediate levels, or those who have been cycling regularly but still lack confidence in busier more complex traffic conditions. Alongside the teaching of more advanced manoeuvres you will also have an opportunity to review and polish techniques taught in earlier courses. The purpose of this course is somewhat different from earlier stages where we have been concentrating on your cycling skill. Instructors will now be asking you where you want to go on your cycle journeys, and equipping you to set out with confidence. Therefore as well as the traffic manoeuvres, additional training is available on the other elements that make up a journey such as carrying your luggage. If you want to become a regular cycle user they are essential support.
The course will cover:
- The theory of on-road cycling; as above with additional theory as required to support the more advanced road work being undertaken
- The cycle as a vehicle
- Positioning & observation
- Use of gears, braking, cycling one handed / signalling and looking behind
- Busier roads
- Complex turns, roads and junctions
- Roundabouts
- Signal controlled junctions
- Filtering
- Using cycling facilities on and off road
4. Supplementary information Go back to top
- Cycle security
- Cycling at night
- Luggage and load carrying
- Cycle organisations and forums
- Using your bicycle with public transport
By the end of the training session you should be starting to feel confident about making cycle journeys in a variety of traffic conditions. It is important to practice your new skills as much as you can. When you can perform the above manoeuvres Competently, Confidently and Consistently you should be able to start making regular cycle trips part of your life.
5. Testing and awards. Go back to top
You do not have to take a test to become a cycle user in any circumstances. Your instructor will assess your initial level and will provide you with detailed feedback on your progress as you pass through training. Many courses do not provide awards, their purpose is to encourage you to cycle more, in your own time.
However for some people certificates and awards are good marks of progress and may act as an incentive to continue a full course. CTC awards a Cycle Training Certificate to anyone who has completed cycle training provided by an accredited instructor.
