Cycle training
More and more people are taking up or returning to cycling than ever before. Every year, more bikes are sold than cars, with more people choosing them to get to work or to ride for fun. Cycling is environmentally friendly, healthy and cheap, and with more cycle lanes being installed all the time, it's quite an efficient way of getting about too.
We're delighted that so many people are cycling again, and offer these pages as encouragement for people to do so safely. Many people starting or returning to cycling have had little training, or may not realise how much the roads and traffic levels have changed since they last rode a bike.
Cyclists, for all the environmental benefits they bring, still must stop at zebra crossings and traffic lights, and aren't allowed to ride on the pavement. They must display front and rear lights if riding at night, and a helmet and reflective clothing will increase safety for the rider.
In Wolverhampton we now offer training that is linked to the National Cycling Training Standards.
Our cycle training courses are split into three levels.
Level one - basic skills training
Within this level trainees are taught the following:
- To get on and off their bike without help.
- Start off and pedal without help.
- Stop without help.
- Ride along without help for roughly one minute or more.
- Use gears without help.
- Signal right and left without wobbling.
Level one training is offered to all primary school pupils within the city. Training takes place during year five and six, and all children are encouraged to continue their training by enrolling upon a level two course.
Level one training is not just for children either, we are keen to encourage cycling at all levels. A level one training course would be particularly suitable for new cyclists, and for those who are returning to cycling after a break. If you are interested in enrolling upon a level one cycle training course, then please contact the road safety unit using the contact details below.
Level two - an introduction to on road cycling
Within this level trainees are taught the following:
- Start an on road journey.
- Understand when and how to signal their intentions to other road safety users.
- Turn right into a major road and left into a minor road.
- Turn left into a major road and right into a minor road.
Level two training is again offered to all primary age children as soon as they have completed level one. We also offer level two training to adults. If you are interested in enrolling upon a level two cycle training course, please contact the road safety unit using the contact details below.
Level three - advanced cycling
Within this level trainees are taught the following:
- How to use roundabouts.
- How to use junctions controlled by traffic lights.
- An understanding of filtering and an ability to decide when to filter and when to wait.
- How to use both on and off road cycle facilities.
In order to complete a level three training course it is more beneficial if you have previously completed level one, and two.
For further information about cycle training, and the courses that e can offer, please contact us on (01902) 551155, or e-mail us on road.safety@wolverhampton.gov.uk