8.3.5 Modules
All modules in the Bikeability programme are grouped under ‘Get Cycling’ or ‘Go Cycling’.
GET CYCLING involves activities that support riders before making a journey on the road. This includes training riders to prepare themselves and their equipment, and making sure they can balance (unless using a three- or four-wheeler), pedal and control their cycle. These activities are mostly based on National Standard roles 1 and 2. These skills can enable a rider to make a journey using segregated cycling infrastructure.
GO CYCLING helps riders to make journeys combining cycle infrastructure and the road. It includes all manoeuvres that a rider is likely to encounter when riding on road. Riders will learn how to use roads in line with the Highway Code, ride safely and responsibly in traffic, and improve cycling – all of which is linked to National Standard roles 3–5.
Each module can be taught to a rider of any age, and the module and activities taught must match their particular training needs and current ability. The modules and activities are usually taught in the order outlined, allowing riders to gain skills progressively. The order of the activities within the modules is suggested below, however may differ to best suit the needs of your riders and the local situation.
| Module | Description | Activities taught |
| GET CYCLING | ||
| Bikeability Balance | The Bikeability ‘Balance’ module teaches riders to balance on a balance bike, and can be delivered to pupils from nursery school onwards. You can use games to help riders develop cycle handling and awareness skills off road, moving the bike with their feet rather than with pedals. Riders should be ready to progress to ‘Learn to Ride’ training at the end of this module. | • Preparing for cycling • Pushing your cycle and balancing •Getting on and off your cycle |
| Bikeability Learn to Ride | The Bikeability ‘Learn to Ride’ module is for riders who are unable to ride a bicycle without support. Riders who are not yet able to balance should start with Bikeability Balance before starting this module. | • Preparing for cycling • Getting on and off your cycle • Starting, stopping and controlling your cycle |
| Bikeability Level 1 | Bikeability Level 1 aims to develop cycle-handling skills in an off-road, traffic-free environment. It must be delivered away from motor traffic. The goal for riders is to demonstrate excellent cycle handling skills. This training does not try to simulate on-road cycling. | • Preparing for cycling • Getting on and off your cycle • Starting, stopping and controlling your cycle • Stopping quickly and managing hazards • Using gears • Looking behind, riding with one hand and signalling • Sharing space off road with pedestrians and other riders |
| Bikeability Fix | Riders learn the essentials of cycle maintenance to ensure that their cycles are always roadworthy. Includes how to repair a puncture and replace an inner tube. When delivered before Bikeability training at Level 1, Bikeability Fix can improve the roadworthiness of cycles used in Bikeability. Knowing how to check a cycle and repair a puncture will give riders confidence to use their cycles after Bikeability at any level. | • Checking your cycle • Repairing a puncture |
| Module | Description | Activities taught |
| GO CYCLING | ||
| Bikeability Level 2 | Bikeability Level 2 develops riders’ skills and confidence for cycling on single-lane roads and simple junctions with mostly moderate motor traffic flows (where riders encounter more and more vehicles in each module). It must be delivered on roads with a variety of junctions that get more challenging each time, and where riders interact with increasing levels of traffic. The goal for riders is to link junction manoeuvres in a continuous journey using the four key skills and routines. Riders should be competent in all Level 1 activities before taking part in this module, with the exception of riding one handed. They may still take part in all Level 2 activities if they are unable to ride one handed. Instructors can manage the risk by teaching riders different ways to communicate, such as, increased levels of rear observation, choosing primary position early, pairing riders or by ‘buddy riding’ with them if possible. | • Starting and finishing an on-road journey (including doing a U-turn) • Cycling in suitable riding positions and passing parked vehicles • Passing minor roads and crossroads • Turning left into a minor road and right into a major road • Turning right into a minor road and left into a major road • Using roundabouts • Riding with other riders |
| Bikeability Level 3 | Bikeability Level 3 develops riders’ skills and confidence so they can ride in different road environments, including complex, often busy roads and junctions, sometimes with speed limits above 30mph. It must be delivered on progressively more challenging roads and junctions with a high volume of, or fast, motor traffic. The goal for riders is to link manoeuvres in a planned journey. They should understand that lifelong cycling involves continuous practice and improvement of skills. This module should teach at least four of the activities on the right in addition to the two activities in italics. | • Preparing for and planning a journey • Riding in more complex environments • Using roundabouts • Riding with other riders • Using traffic lights and passing queuing traffic • Using cycling infrastructure • Using multi-lane roads • Using multi-lane roundabouts • Being aware of driver blind spots and sharing bus lanes •Riding on roads with a speed limit above 30mph |
| Bikeability Bus | Inspiring active travel to and from school by teaching children, teachers and parents the best routes to use, and building confidence to use them. Bikeability Bus is a group ride to school for pupils, parents and school staff. Starting from a local point, such as a park or hall, the bus ‘picks up’ riders along the way at pre-arranged ‘stops’ before reaching school where the riders get off. | This is a led ride which will take in all types of on- and off-road infrastructure. Riders will have the opportunity to: • apply the four key skills use routines • maintain suitable riding positions • identify and respond to hazards share the road with others • follow the rules of signals, signs and road markings • respect other road users • ride with confidence alongside other road users |
| Module | Description | Activities taught |
| BESPOKE | ||
Bikeability Family | To build confidence and competence for ‘family’ groups to complete a journey together. Bikeability Family provides a tailored training package to help families cycle together. The Bikeability Trust has designed this guide in line with the National Standard for Cycle Training. The module must be bespoke, flexible and adapted for the needs of each family. Any group with at least one member aged over 18 years and one aged under 18 can take part in this module. Participants do not need to live in the same household or be legally related. The goals of each individual family should be determined before training begins. This information can be gathered informally, through observation or a verbal conversation, or a more formal questionnaire. | Activities to be chosen from any of the above modules, to suit the needs of each family. |
| Bikeability Adult | Instructors must address riders’ individual development needs and may choose from the range of Bikeability levels and Plus modules as appropriate. Adults are trained to complete cycle journeys that suit their own purposes, which may include cycling to the shops, commuting to work or leading family leisure rides. | Activities to be chosen from any of the above modules, to suit the needs of the rider. |
8.3.3 Assessment and awards