Frequently asked questions

This page reflects the most frequently asked questions we get from new and existing trainees.  We've split the FAQs into sections, reflecting the areas most asked about:

• Lessons
• Bikeability
• Health and Safety
  
• Further information
  

Lessons

Where are lessons held?

We are based in Twyford, Berkshire.  Lessons can be held at a location chosen by yourselves, or by RodeSafety.  Bikeability Level 1 is held in a traffic-free environment, reflecting that the lesson is focused on basic control skills.  All of our other lessons are held on-road, reflecting our belief that we should teach using what actually occurs on the roads rather than from a text-book.

Do you teach during the week?

Yes, we teach both during the week and on weekends.  Our aim is to be flexible as possible.

What types of cycling lessons do you offer?

Our goal is to provide you with the cycle training you want.  With this in mind we can tailor the training to you.  For those looking to progress through the National Standards, as an Accredited Bikeability Scheme Organizer we are able to offer Level 1, 2 and 3.

 

How does the training differ between one-on-one, small group and large group lessons?

The one-on-one and small group sessions have a lower instructor to pupil ratio and are such we are able to tailor the session to specific requirements.  Whilst such tailoring does occur on the large group sessions it is understandly harder.  The LifeCycle program is the same for all groups, thus regardless of which option you chose you will receive the same level of high quality training.

Who do you typically train?

We have trained individuals of all ages, in schools and for local authorities.  In short, we have a very wide range of experience!

Will cycling lessons make me a safer and more confident rider?

Per a Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents study, the proportion of cyclists deemed to be riding safely after having lessons is 75% (vs. 53% of those that did not take training). The reason for the difference, as reported in a recent article in the popular Backpedaller column in The Sunday Times, is that lessons provide trainees with the confidence, knowledge and road awareness to make the right decisions when faced with different situations when out on the road.

How do I check my bike is roadworthy?

To initially check your bike, the ABC is a good starting point:

• A - is there sufficient air in the tires?
• B - do the brakes work?
• C - is the chain oiled?
  

 

For a more detailed check please see below.  If after reading the below you are in any doubt as to the roadworthiness of your bike please consult RodeSafety; one our Cytech qualified bike mechanics will be happy to answer any questions and provide advise on the best course of action.

• Do the brakes work adequately?  Push the bicycle along and try each brake separately to see if it stops the bicycle efficiently.  Check the front brake when pushing the bicycle forwards, and check the back brake when pushing the bicycle backwards.  Look at the brake mechanisms.  If the bicycle has brake blocks which grip the rim, are they properly aligned for this task?  (Not merely half gripping the rim.)  Are the brake cables in good condition, or are they frayed and in danger of parting?
• Is the steering sound? Stand astride the front wheel and grip it tightly between your legs.  Now try hard to turn the handlebars while preventing such movement with your legs.  If the handlebars can be turned,leaving the wheel in position, this means the handlebars are not tightly attached and the bicycle is unsafe to ride.
• Grasp each wheel in turn and shake it from side to side.  It should feel tight and not wobble.  If there is a wobble, it may indicate loose wheel bearings.  This may not be so bad as to make the bicycle unsafe, but if the wheel nuts themselves are loose, the bicycle is unsafe to ride.
• Are the tyres pumped up adequately?  If not, pump them up and check again in a few hours.  If they have gone soft or flat then they are punctured and must be repaired.  Also, check the tread to ensure the tyres are not bald.
• Both the handlebar stem and the seat stem can be raised or lowered to suit the trainee.  However, these stems are marked with a safe minimum mark, which must be kept within the bicycle frame.  If this safety mark is showing on either the seat stem or the handlebar stem, the bicycle is unsafe to ride.
• The saddle should be firmly attached at a good height and not tilted too far up or down.  For a novice, the saddle height should be set so that when seated on the saddle, the rider can just touch the ground with the balls of both feet at the same time. For an experienced rider, the saddle may be a little higher. If the rider can flatten their feet on the ground, the saddle is too low.
• Is the chain dry and rusty, or is it slightly oily and clean?  It will not work properly if it is dry.  The chain must also be of the correct length so that all the gears may be engaged without problems.  A bicycle without gears needs to have the chain set tightly enough.
• If the bicycle has gears, make sure they all work, and that the chain does not come off at any point while changing gears or pedalling.  If the chain jumps when riding hard, the gears may need adjusting, or the chain and the whole cluster of gears may need replacing due to wear.
• Cycle Helmet: If using your own, please ensure that it is correctly adjusted so that there is no great movement either up or down.
• Lights: Whilst not required for the course, we highly recommend having lights.  They should be fitted such that they can be seen from other road users (including pedestrains).  Lights must be fitted if there is any chance that your child may be cycling to or from school during the winter months.
• Bell: We highly recommend a bell. Ensure it can be reached without taking your hands off the handlebar.
• Reflectors: The Law states that a red reflector must be fitted to the rear of the bicycle. A white front reflector is also a good idea.

Do you offer Bike Servicing?

Yes.  Our Cytech Level 1 and 2 Accredited Bicycle Mechanics offer the full range of bike servicing from a check-up to a full service.  To make things as simple as possible for you, our servicing includes free pick-up and delivery of your bike.  Ahead of any work being completed we will provide a quote to ensure you are comfortable with the cost of the repairs/ service.

 

How can I book a lesson with RodeSafety?

Please complete the Contact Form at the Contact Us tab.  Alternatively, please call Paul Rode at 078250-24213 to discuss your requirements.

What should I wear?

You can cycle in pretty much any clothes provided they are comfortable and warm.  Waterproofs may be required on rainy days.  If you're wearing trousers then please just ensure you wear socks so that you can tuck them in. 

 

What happens if the weather on the day is terrible?

We are happy to ride provided there's no health and safety issues due to the weather e.g. ice or very strong winds.  In the event of bad weather we typically call ahead to see if you still want to go ahead with the session.  We can always do some training off-road first if there's a chance the weather will clear up.

 

 

 

Bikeability

Whatever happened to the Cycle Proficiency Test?
Bikeability has replaced  the cycle proficiency test.   Bikeability is the name given to the cycle training that encompasses the outcome driven National Standards.  Extensive Bikeability FAQs can be viewed at the Bikeability site here.

Who developed Bikeability?

Cycling England, developed Bikeability in conjunction with key cycling groups such as the Cycling Touring Club (CTC).  Bikeability is designed as a 'real-world' set of cycling courses that prepare riders for the actual conditions they will face on our roads. Bikeability has seen tremendous success, in part reflecting the increased popularity of cycling (not least due to the success at the Bejing Olympics!)

 

CTSB Instructor Registration and CTSB Bikeability Scheme Registration are two completely distinct processes and should not be confused. 

After becoming National Standard accredited instructors (see below for FAQ) instructors are encouraged to get their scheme Bikeability Accredited as soon as they can.

Bikeability Scheme Accreditation is:

• A quality assurance standard
• By application and open to all trainers and schemes following National Standards and running courses delivered by qualified National Standard instructors
• Denoted by a unique Scheme Organiser Number (not the CTSB number)
• Is needed for the purchase of Bikeability materials to issue to successful trainees

What are the steps to Bikeability Scheme Accreditation?

• Submission of collated evidence
• Email acknowledgement of receipt of application
• Assessment of application (10 days)
• Acceptance (go to step 5) or request for more information/clarification (go to step 1)
• Award recommended
• Notification by post of Provisional Accreditation

 

Is RodeSafety Bikeability accreditied (i.e. a recognized Scheme Organiser)?

Yes!

 

To ensure that schemes awarding Bikeability badges are of a consistent and high quality, the Department for Transport and Cycling England have worked with the Cycle Training Standards Board to manage a simple checklist process. This registers and formally accredits each scheme.

RodeSafety has undergone a formal review and has been formally accredited by the Cycle Training Standards Board.

Our details can be found on the Bikeability site here.

 

Why was the cycle proficiency test replaced?

As the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents commented some years back:

"..one area that has not yet been effectively addressed on a national basis is the management of instructors, tutors and examiners. A training course is as good as those who deliver it, and the training of cycling instructors and tutors varies widely, and very often consists of a novice instructor observing an experienced one for a short time. RoSPA thinks that a national standard for instructor training, perhaps linked to an accreditation scheme or some form of register would significantly enhance both the quality of training and the status of the instructors."

Bikeability and the associated National St"andards ensure instructors are all of an equally high standard and that lessons focus on outcomes rather than just repeating a textbook in a traffic-free environment.

 

What training do you have to take to become an instructor?

In contrast to the cycle proficiency, instructors have to take a rigorous 4-day course with an accredited centre.  The instructors have to pass Bikeability Level 1, 2 and 3.  Instructors learn the syllabus in detail and have to demonstrate their teaching abilities, off and on-road.

 

After a period of mentoring (usually months), instructors are then examined by an Advanced Instructor, again from an accredited centre.  The examination takes the form of the Advanced Instructor reviewing the provisionally accredited instructor delivering an actual session to trainees.  Feedback is given and then a final examination takes place, again on an actual session.

Are RodeSafety's instructors accredited?

Yes!  By passing the two assessed sessions, instructors attain full accreditation.  Instructor notification forms are then sent from the ITP (Instructor Training Provider) to CTC for logging on the database. CTC then issues each instructor with their letter and Certificate notifying them of their new status as a fully accredited National Standards Cycle Instructor.

 

Do you hire instructors?

We are always interested to hear from provisionally or fully accreditated cycling instructors that are passionate about cycle training.  RodeSafety welcomes applications from all sections of the community irrespective of race, gender, sexual orientation or disability.  We will require documentation to demonstrate accreditation, a valid first aid certificate, clean criminal record, proof of valid insurance.  In addition, to provide an extra level of assurance all instructors meet face to face with our Founder, Paul Rode, prior to delivering instruction.  All instructors are required to abide by and sign our policies.

 

 

Health and Safety

Do you risk assess the routes ahead of the lessons?
Yes, we risk assess the route both immediately before the lesson and a few days before the lesson.  That way we can be reasonably confident the route meets the objectives and skills of the trainee.  The risk assessment includes deciding on a back-up route.   In the event during the lesson the instructor and/ or the trainee does not feel comfortable with the conditions then the back-up route is taken.

RodeSafety documents each risk assessment.  We are happy to provide the risk assessment if you would like to see it ahead of your cycling lesson.

Is RodeSafety insured?
We are covered by two types of insurance.

As members of the Cycle Touring Club (CTC), RodeSafety's instructors are covered for third party claims.  In addiiton, RodeSafety has a Cycle Activity Provider policy as arranged by the Cycle Touring Club.  The Cycle Activity Provider policy is underwritten by Zurich.

In summary, the Cycle Activity Provide policy provides £10 million cover for the following;

• Public Liability (this covers you for injury or damage caused to third parties)
• Expert (Professional) Indemnity (this covers you for expert advice related to cycling that you have provided)
• Product Liability (claims related to cycles supplied or hired out by you, provided this is not your main business)

For more information on the CTC (individual and Cycle Activity Provider policy) insurance cover see the CTC site.

 

 

Why ride?

 

Per Cycling England:

 

"there are few everyday activities which have the potential to genuinely improve society and change the lives of individuals.

 

...Cycling is one of them.

 

...Whether it is through easing congestion, tackling traffic emissions or improving health, the bicycle can play a significant role in tackling some of society's biggest problems.

 

...Cycling also plays a role in protecting against obesity, benefits to mental health, physical development, social benefits, tourism opportunities and potential reduction in the number of accidents." 

1. Strong impact on family's attitudes to cycling: 56% report a "real increase" in leisure cycling in the family backed by 30% reporting a "real increase" in "utility" cycling, and 48% of parents/guardians "much more willing" to allow their child to cycle leading to 81% reporting a "more positive attitude" towards cycling generally  Source: Merseyside Transport Partnership (MTP)'s TravelWise cycle training scheme.

2. After training, 37% of trainees cycle for transportation reasons and more than 90% of them are cycling for leisure at least once a week.  Source: Merseyside Transport Partnership (MTP)'s TravelWise cycle training scheme.

3. More than 97% of parents and guardians saw an improvement in their child's cycling safety with 75% noting "a lot" of improvement.  56% reported an increase in other family members cycling.  Number of young people cycling to school after training is more than double the regional average.  Source: Merseyside Transport Partnership (MTP)'s TravelWise cycle training scheme.

4. After just a few weeks of regular cycling, regardless of age, gender or initial physical fitness, the cyclist will be fitter and enjoy a greater sense of well-being.  Source: Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, Health Benefits of Physical Activity (October 2001).

5. People who do not exercise, but who start cycling, move from the third of the population who are the least fit, to the fittest half of the population in just a few months.  Source: Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. A new deal for transport: Better for everyone. Chapter 2 Sustainable transport. Published 20 July 1998.

6. Recent research by Cycling England revealed that the nation's school children want to cycle to school, with one third (33%) of children saying they would be more awake and better prepared for the day ahead, yet only 1% currently do so. One quarter (23%) say that travelling to school by car leaves them feeling lazy and lethargic.
7. The Department of Health recommends that people should take part in moderately intensive activity lasting 30 minutes at least five days a week. Health experts believe cycling provides the one of the most effective forms of aerobic exercise - as well as being convenient and exhilarating.  Source: Pedalling Health: Health Benefits of a Modal Transport Shift by Ian Roberts, Harry Owen, Peter Lumb and Colin MacDougall (1995)
8. A 15-minute bike ride to and from work five times a week burns off the equivalent of 11 pounds of fat in a year.  Source: Leeds cycling action group, Cycling and Health.  That kind of cycling pattern also meets the Government's latest target on exercise: that we should take part in some mild to moderate physical activity that leaves us out of breath for at least 30 minutes five times a week.
9. People who cycle to work experienced a 39% lower rate of all-cause mortality compared to those who did not - even after adjustment for other risk factors, including leisure time physical activity.  Source: Andersen, L., Schnohr, P., Schroll, M. and Hein, H. (2000). All-cause mortality associated with physical activity during leisure time, work, sports, and cycling to work, Archives of Internal Medicine, 160, pp. 1621-1628.
10. Nearly three-quarters of journeys people make are of five miles or less.  On reasonably flat ground cyclists can cover at least four to six miles in half an hour - faster than cars in many towns and cities.  Source: Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. A new deal for transport: Better for everyone. Chapter 2 Sustainable Transport. Published 20 July 1998.
11. Cyclists and pedestrians actually absorb lower levels of pollutants from traffic fumes than car drivers.  Sources: a) Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions. A new deal for transport: Better for everyone. Chapter 2 Sustainable transport. Published 20 July 1998. b) National Cycling Strategy.
12. Cycling can be part of a programme to lose weight because it burns the energy supplied by a chocolate bar or a couple of alcoholic drinks in an hour (about 300 calories).  Source: Mersy DJ. Health benefits of aerobic exercise. Postgrad Med 1991; 90: 103-7 and 110-2.
13. A major study of more than 10,000 people found those who cycle at least 20 miles a week are half as likely to have heart problems as those who don't cycle at all.
14. 16% of women would be more likely to cycle if they had received proper cycle training to equip them with skills and confidence.  Source: Cycling England.
15. Cycling can reduce injuries from falls, which can be seriously disabling, especially in older people. The strength and co-ordination that regular cycling brings make them less likely.  Sources: a) National Cycling Strategy  b) Rutter H. Modal shift.  Transport and health.  A policy report on the health benefits of increasing levels of cylcing in Oxfordshire c)  Leeds Cycling  d ) Scully D, Kremer J, Meade MM et al. Physical exercise and psychological wellbeing. In MacAuley D (Ed.) Benefits and hazards of exercise. London: BMJ Books 1999.
16. Fentem PH. ABC of sports medicine. Benefits of exercise in health and disease. BMJ 1994; 308: 1291-5.
17. Joakimsen RM, Magnus JH, Fonnebo V. Physical activity and predisposition for hip fractures: a review. Osteoporosis Int 1998; 7: 503-13.
18. Physically active older people, that is those that do activities such as cycling, have much reduced rates of hip fracture.  Source: Joakimsen RM, Magnus JH, Fonnebo V. Physical activity and predisposition for hip fractures: a review. Osteoporosis Int 1998; 7: 503-13.
19. Cycling for thirty minutes most days, combined with a reduced calorie intake, can achieve a weight loss equivalent to the reduction achieved by three weekly aerobics classes.  Source: Cycling England.
20. People who cycled to work experienced a 39 per cent lower rate of all-cause mortality.  Source: Cycling England.
21. Cycling is the perfect activity for the already overweight or obese, as it provides cardiovascular exercise without putting excess strain on the musculoskeletal system.  Source: Cycling England.
22. Economic modelling commissioned by Cycling England has calculated that a 20 per cent increase in cycling by 2015 would save £107 million in reducing premature deaths, £52 million in lowered NHS costs and £87 million by shrinking absences from work.
23. Teachers involved in early-stage Bikeability trials were quick to report that pupils became more alert after cycle training; and a quarter of parents believe that cycling to school has improved their children's mental development.  Source: Cycling England.
24. The actual risk of cycling is tiny: there is one cyclist death per 33 million kilometres of cycling.  Source: Wardlaw, M. (2002). Assessing the actual risks faced by cyclists. Traffic Engineering and Control. December, pp. 420-424.
25. Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is the single most common cause of death in both men and women. One in four men and one in six women die from the disease. A lack of physical activity is one of the most important risk factors for CHD. Over 50,000 people die in the UK each year due to coronary heart disease related to insufficient physical activity, compared to around 100 cyclists killed on the road.    Sources: "McPherson, K et al. (2002) Coronary heart disease: estimating the impact of changes in risk factors." "National Heart Forum. London: TSO, 9. Department for Transport (2005) Road Casualties Great Britain: (2004) Annual Report, London Department for Transport."
    
26. Over half of all car trips are less than five miles, 23% are less than two miles.  The average length of a cycle trip is 2.4 miles.  Source: Cycling England.
    
27. The more cyclists there are, the safer the streets become.  Source: Jacobsen, P. (2003) Safety in numbers: more walkers and bicyclists, safer walking and bicycling, Injury Prevention, 9, pp. 205-209.
28. Cycling is an important way to incorporate regular physical activity into daily lives. It also addresses other key public health agendas including reducing carbon emissions and improving social inclusion.
29. The real risks of cycling are outweighed by the health benefits by a factor of around twenty to one. It may be more risky to your health to be sedentary.  Sources a) Hillman, M. (1992). Cycling and the promotion of health, PTRC 20th Summer Annual Meeting, Proceedings of Seminar B, pp. 25-36.  b) Rutter H.  Modal shift. Transport and health. A policy report on the health benefits of increasing levels of cycling in Oxfordshire
    
30. Cycling can have positive effects on how we feel.   Source: Mersy DJ. Health benefits of aerobic exercise. Postgrad Med 1991; 90: 103-7 and 110-2.
31. What sets cycling apart from most other forms of exercise is how well it fits into our busy, modern lifestyles. Apart from the bicycle itself (and a recommended protective helmet) no other equipment is needed, no special time needs to be set, and no special clothes are needed (although you might want to leave your best suit on the hanger). Instead of spending time stuck in a car or bus, you spend it on the bike, there is no need to find extra time to exercise.
32. There are no real age barriers to cycling, and people of most fitness levels can cycle, slowly and gently if necessary. Anyone with heart disease or other conditions affecting their activity should, of course, consult their doctor before starting any exercise programme. Those of all body shapes and all but the most extreme body weights can ride a bike.
33. A study carried out for the Department of Transport found that 'even a small amount of cycling can lead to significant gains in fitness'. The study found that aerobic fitness was boosted by 11 per cent after just six weeks of cycling 'short distances' four times a week.  Source: Fentem PH. ABC of sports medicine. Benefits of exercise in health and disease. BMJ 1994; 308: 1291-5.
34. If cycling the equivalent of four miles to and from work in total a day the aerobic benefit increased to 17 per cent.  Source: Fentem PH. ABC of sports medicine. Benefits of exercise in health and disease. BMJ 1994; 308: 1291-5.
35. According to the Department of Transport study people who do not exercise who start cycling move from the third of the population who are the least fit, to the fittest half of the population in just a few months.  Source: Fentem PH. ABC of sports medicine. Benefits of exercise in health and disease. BMJ 1994; 308: 1291-5.
36. Leg strength also improved in the cyclists in the study. This is more important than it seems because leg strength improves other mobility by allowing people to get out of chairs more easily, and helps older people especially avoid falls and the broken bones and other injuries associated with them.  Source: Fentem PH. ABC of sports medicine. Benefits of exercise in health and disease. BMJ 1994; 308: 1291-5.
37. Cycling, the researchers behind the study concluded, is 'one of the few physical activities which can be undertaken by the majority of the population as part of a daily routine'.  Source: Fentem PH. ABC of sports medicine. Benefits of exercise in health and disease. BMJ 1994; 308: 1291-5.
38. Every person who cycles regularly saves the NHS £28.30 a year.  Source: Valuing the benefits of cycling: a report to Cycling England, May 2007. 
39. Cycling, along with a healthy diet, can help reduce cellulite.
40. Cycling is unique.  Investments in cycling reduce premature death, NHS costs, absenteeism, pollution and congestion yielding a return between 3:1 and 4.5:1.  Source: The Case for Cycling, Cycling England (following The Eddington Study: Sir Rod Eddington was jointly commissioned by the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Secretary of State for Transport to examine the long-term links between transport and the UK's economic productivity, growth and stability, within the context of the Government's broader commitment to sustainable development., as commissioned by the Department of Transport).
    
41. Regular cyclists have a fitness level equivalent to someone ten years younger.
42. A survey of 91 volunteers who commuted at least four times a week found that the average improvement in capacity of thet lungs to take in oxygen while exercising was over 11% over six weeks.  Further, body fat was significantly reduced  (two to three kilograms or 4.4lbs to 6.6lbs) among most of those of the participants who were overweight or obese at the outset (59% of the participants).   Critically, the extent of fat loss, typically two to three kilograms of fat mass over the period of the trial, meant they achieved a change in energy balance, making it easier for them to control their weight whilst they continued to be active.  Source: Transport Research Laboratory (TRL)
    
43. Cycling can help to prevent diabetes. Type 2 diabetes (sometimes known as 'adult onset diabetes') is the most common metabolic disorder worldwide, and is associated with a number of other illnesses.
44. Physical activity such as cycling has a protective effect on colon cancer, with an average risk reduction of 40-50%.
    
45. Cyclists can expect to live for at least two years longer on average than non-cyclists.
46. Everyday cycling usually means periods of active work, alternating with rest periods (when coasting or at traffic lights). This makes it easy to recover and keep going for longer.
47. Cycling can easily be incorporated into everyday routines without having to find time for the gym or for deliberate exercise .
48. Cycling is cool - just ask Agyness Dean.
49. At the same time, switching from four wheels to two for the school run or the commute would dramatically reduce carbon emissions. If all the commuters in England with a journey of under five miles went by bike rather than car or bus, they save a collective 44,000 tonnes of CO2, the equivalent emissions produced by heating nearly 17,000 houses. And that would just be in the first week.  Source: Cycling England.
50. The cost of staying indoors or being restricted to ever-decreasing neighbourhood cycles makes for grim reading. The Foresight Report (published in October 2007) underlined the threat of childhood obesity, set to affect half of all primary school boys and a fifth of girls by 2030. By 2050, the cost of this epidemic could reach £45bn a year, draining the NHS if not the entire economy.  Source: Cycling England.
    .
    

If you would like (yet more!) reasons to cycle check out:

 

 

Further information

 

How can I contact you?
Should you have a question about cycle training, RodeSafety or just a general query please do not hesitate to contact us via one of the tools below.

• Visit our Contact Us tab and submit a message
• E-mail us at paul@rodesafety.com
• Call at 078250-24213
  

How can I keep up with news about RodeSafety?
If you use Facebook you can join our Group, where we post our latest news. Alternatively, just check our News page.

How do I become an instructor?

The Cycle Touring Club (CTC) have detailed information about cycle training, including information on how to become an instructor yourself (do let us know if this is you - we are always interested in meeting potential new instructors).

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RodeSafety | paul@rodesafety.com | 078250-24213