FAQs

We've put some handy FAQs together to help you get cycling and stay cycling.

Am I eligible for free training?

You can find out whether we provide free training in your area by checking your local borough page from our main navigation menu. If you can't see your borough listed on our website then head to the Bikeability website for more information.

Can I take part if I can't cycle?

Absolutely! We run lots of complete beginner training courses for both children and adults. Check your local borough page for more information.

I don't have a bike - can I still take part?

Check your booking to find out if we have bikes available in your area. We have bikes stationed all across London so we should be able to point you towards your nearest cycle hub!

I want to buy my own cycle - where should I get one from?

Your local bike shop should be the first place you look! Your local bike shop will be full of people keen to help you find what you need and get you cycling in your local area.

The Association of Cycle traders website can direct you to you nearest indedenpent cycle retailer. You can also check out local cycle recycling schemes too. 

If you are looking for an adapted cycle then we would recommend talking to Wheels for Wellbeing or Wheels for All who have loads of helpful information and run sessions where you can try out different cycles to find out what is best for you.

What is Bikeability?

Bikeability is the Cycling Proficiency Test for the 21st century, designed to give children the skills and confidence to ride their bikes on today's roads.

There are three Bikeability levels and children are encouraged and inspired to achieve all three, recognising that there is always more to learn and to enjoy on a bike.

LEVEL 1:

On this course children will learn how to:

  • Prepare themselves for a journey

  • Check the cycle is ready for a journey

  • Set off, pedal, slow down and stop

  • Pedal (including looking behind, cycling one handed, turning and controlling speed)

LEVEL 2:

On this course children will learn how to:

  • Cycle safely and responsibly

  • Identify and respond to hazards

  • Start and stop on-road journeys

  • Maintain suitable riding positions

  • Share the road with others and communicate with other road users

  • Comply with signals, signs and road markings

  • Manage risk when cycling

  • Negotiate junctions (pass side roads, turn at T junctions, and crossroads and roundabouts if present).

LEVEL 3:

On this course children will learn how to:

  • Plan a journey

  • Plan to and ride assertively everywhere cycling is permitted

  • Maintain suitable riding positions

  • Cooperate with and respect other road users

  • Pass queuing traffic and use junctions controlled by traffic lights

  • Use cycle infrastructure and multi lane roads 

Cycle Confident has been a registered Bikeability provider since 2008 and has provided cycle training to thousands of children since then.

For more information on this scheme visit the Bikeability Website

What is the National Standard?

The National Standards for Cycle Training set out the training and skills essential for making cycling trips in today's road conditions. The Standards, developed by over 20 organisations, are maintained by the custodian body for cycle training, the Cycle Training Standards Board (CTSB).

Members of the CTSB are the UK's leading bodies in road safety and cycling. By establishing National Standards, the Government is setting out a nationwide uniform programme of formal training, which will reassure parents in particular, that young people wanting to cycle have been instructed in the essential skills and procedures wherever they may live.

All cycle training Cycle Confident provides adheres to the CTSB National Standards. We also provide the government approved Bikeability training to children and schools.

For more information on the National Standards for cycle training visit the Department for Transport website

Learn More