cyclist training

Cycling is generally a healthy and safe way to get around.  But like anything in life, it's not entirely risk-free.

We recommend that you invest in a reflective jacket or bib, good quality lights and a helmet.  But just like driving, the best way to keep safe while cycling is to make sure that your skills are up to date.

If you've never learned to ride a bike or think you need a refresher, the new cyclist training National Standards are quite different from the old Cycling Proficiency. The Standards have 3 levels: basic training off the road, training on quiet roads and streets, and training on busy roads.

All Tyne and Wear Councils offer cyclist training for schoolchildren, which will be arranged by the school during Year 5 or Year 6. South Tyneside and Gateshead Councils also have an enhanced 'Bike It' programme in selected schools.

Some Councils offer cyclist training to groups of adults (for example from a workplace), for a fee. Others have trained a number of instructors to carry out cyclist training for adults, on a voluntary basis. Otherwise, adults currently need to arrange and pay for their own cyclist training. The CTC provides a list of cyclist trainers who have been approved to deliver the new National Standards of training, which is important for your safety. Click here to see the North East list, and contact them direct to find out costs and availability.

For more details on cyclist training in your Council area, contact the cycling officer shown on the 'where can i cycle?' page.