More children cycling, more safely and more often has huge benefits. It’s healthy and it’s fun, but it’s necessary to learn how to do it safely.
Many adults will remember doing their Cycling Proficiency Test. Bikeability is the Cycling Proficiency Test for the 21st century, designed to give the next generation the skills and confidence to ride their bikes on today’s roads. From spring 2007, thousands of children will have the chance to get the new Bikeability award in a national scheme which will be rolled out across England. 
To get their Bikeability award, children (and adults) will be instructed on how to ride their bikes to the Government-approved National Standard for Cycle Training, which sets out the training and skills essential for making cycling trips in today’s road conditions. The standard developed by over 20 organisations and maintained by the professional body for cycle training, the Cycle Training Reference Group. (Members of the CTRG are the UK’s leading bodies in road safety and cycling, for a list see the appendix at the end of the booklet.) By establishing a National Standard, the Government is setting out a nationwide uniform programme of formal training which will reassure parents that young people wanting to cycle have been instructed in the essential skills and procedures wherever they may live in England.
To ensure that Bikeability can be rolled out successfully across the country from spring 2007, a six month ‘gearing up’ phase will take place. Over the next six months, Bikeability will be trialled with 3,000 children around the country, prior to its national launch. The aim is to increase the numbers of children who receive quality cycle training by qualified instructors and by 2008/9 to ensure that as many as half of year six pupils be trained through schemes awarding Bikeability. The ultimate vision is that within five years no child should leave primary school (in England) without the opportunity to get their Bikeability training.
There are three Bikeability levels:
- Level 1 is usually covered in a traffic free environment. By completing Level 1, you will be able to demonstrate the skills and understanding to be able to make a trip and undertake activities safely in a motor traffic free environment and as a pre-requisite to a road trip
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Level 2 is covered on quiet roads but with real traffic conditions. By completing Level 2 you will be able to demonstrate the skills and understanding to be able to make a trip safely to school, work or leisure on quiet roads
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Level 3 is covered on busy roads incorporating real traffic conditions and advanced road features. By completing Level 3 you will be able demonstrate the skills and understanding to be able to make a trip safely to school, work or leisure on busy roads and using complex junctions and road features
Children will be encouraged and inspired to achieve all three levels, recognising that there is always more to learn and to enjoy on a bike.
The Bikeability award will consist of a luminous metal badge, booklet, certificate and a letter to parents. All Bikeability materials have been designed to appeal to the needs of parents, teachers and training instructors as well as children; all the designs and supporting materials have been researched with these groups around England.
Bikeability is not just about teaching children to ride a bike and equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to ride a bike safely throughout the rest of their life. It’s also about introducing them to cycling as an everyday activity – an alternative mode of transport, an enjoyable pastime, which brings a healthier lifestyle and ultimately lots of fun. Bikeability will give children a life skill that once they’ve learnt, they will never forget.
