Bikeability training is making a huge difference for local children

The Council has been offering Bikeability training to local schools in the borough, through our provider BikeRight, over the last five years.

In 2025 alone 3,500 children have completed their Bikeability training, setting them up to ride safely for years to come.

The free training covers a wide range of important skills to ensure that each pupil has the knowledge and confidence to ride safely in the local area.

Recently a parent of a child, who had attended the training at their local primary school, shared their thoughts on how the course had reformed their 9-year-olds cycling habits. We’ve shared the review below, with the child and Bikeability instructor’s details anonymised.

“We are absolutely delighted with the Bikability training my son received, and we can’t thank you enough.

My 9-year-old, has come home a completely reformed cyclist. He genuinely loved the course and specifically mentioned how much he enjoyed the instructor’s training.

The most life-changing result? The helmet. I, his mother, have spent years engaging in daily, soul-crushing negotiations over why a helmet is necessary, Now, he simply reaches for it. No debate. No commentary.

The difference, I have concluded, is that while I may possess a lifetime of love and parental wisdom, your instructor (the cool, ex-army instructor who rides bikes all the time) possesses the highly coveted quality of coolness. He explained how dangerous the roads can be and my son finally listened. Lesson learned: I am not cool.

He has picked up fantastic safety tips, like the crucial warning about being aware of parked cars and the dreaded potential for "car-dooring".

This course was perfect for him, and I'm genuinely grateful for the time taken to keep the kids safe."

Moulton Primary School also shared their experience of running Bikeability training in their school. Their PE Coordinator said:

“I am writing in response to the recent email regarding Bikability, and I would like to wholeheartedly confirm that the training provided was outstanding.

The pupils who took part thoroughly enjoyed the experience and all reported learning something new. Several pupils who participated in the Level 1 course commented on how inspiring the instructors were and shared that they now feel confident riding a bike, even though some had never ridden one before the sessions.

Pupils who completed both Level 1 and Level 2 courses spoke very highly of the coaches, describing them as caring, supportive, and encouraging. They particularly appreciated that mistakes were treated as learning opportunities, with coaches offering guidance rather than being strict, helping them to overcome challenges with confidence.

Many pupils also commented on feeling much safer on the roads as a result of the high-quality teaching and said they now feel more confident undertaking longer-distance bike rides. There was an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from all pupils, highlighting how much fun they had and how exhilarating the entire experience was.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you and well done to the coaches, the team, and everyone involved in supporting the pupils. This was a truly memorable experience and something the pupils at Moulton School will never forget.”

If you want to find out more about how cycle training has changed since you were in school and the offer of free Bikeability training in the borough, visit: Bike Right’s website for more information.

Alongside the free school Bikeability training, there is also free adult and family cycle training available which can be adapted to suit your cycling level and the area where you are likely to cycle regularly.

Make 2026 the year you dust off your bike and take the time to refresh your cycling skills.