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:- Bikeability
- Benefits of cycling lessons
- Lesson format
- Health and Safety
- Booking lessons
- Further information
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 in conjunction with the key cycling groups Bikeability, 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 at the Olympics!)
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?
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 delivereing an actual session to trainees. Feedback is given and then a final examination takes place, again on an actual session.
Benefits of cycling lessons
Do cycling lessons make me more safe on my bike?
Per a Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents study, the proportion of cyclists deemed to be riding safely after having lessons is 75%. In contrast, of those that did not take training only 53% were deemed to be safe.
How will cycling lessons help my child?
The lessons focus on giving trainees the skills needed to make decisions for themselves, based on real-world situations backed by on-road training. As per a recent article in the popular Backpedaller column in The Sunday Times, children want to ride to school; cycling lessons provide them with the skills and experience to safely ride.
Lesson format
Do the Bikeability lessons follow a predefined syllabus?
Each Bikeability Level (1-3) has set outcomes that must be reached in order for the trainee to pass the level. Once reached, the trainee can then progress to the next level. Details of the set outcomes can be found here.
Do your non-Bikeability courses follow a predefined syllaus?
Our other courses incorporate the Bikeability syllabus however they are not beholden to the outcomes, reflecting the fact that the sessions are explicitly tailored to the trainee. For example, if a trainees route used on the RodeAssessment course did not incorporate mulit-laned roads and the trainee did not wish to incorporate them then we would not train on multi-lane roads.
Where are the lessons held?
Bikeability Level 1 is held in a traffic-free environment, reflecting that the lesson is focused on basic control skills. Level 1 for some trainees may be the first time they have tried riding a bike. 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.
What areas do you cover?
We are based in Twyford, Berkshire. We have delivered training in Central London, London Boroughs such as Kingston and also the area around Twyford. Put simply, we are happy to travel to trainees locations.
When do the cycling lessons occur?
On occasion we offer pre-set lesson times, however we prefer to schedule lessons around our trainees. This ensures they get the most from the lesson. We typically deliver training in the evening during the week and during the day and evenings during the weekends.
What 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. A summary of our current services is detailed here.
Is it better to have a 1-2-1 lesson or a group lesson?
With the exception of those courses dealing with complex junctions, for example UrbanRodes and Bikeability Level 3 and (depending on the roads) our RodeAssessment lessons, most lessons can be delivered either on a 1-2-1 or a group basis. There is no better option. There are however differences. On the 1-2-1 the trainee gets more time with the instructor. Moreover, with the 1-2-1 lesson the instructor can tailor the session to the exact needs of the trainee.
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)
Booking lessons
How can I book a lesson with RodeSafety?
Details of the booking process can be found here.
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.
- E-mail us at customersupport@rodesafety.com
- Visit our Contact Form and submit a message
- Add a note to our Guest Book
- Or, create a note on our Forum
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).
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