Basic Cycling Training
Level one courses (traditionally known as cycling proficiency), are held in safe off-road locations normally at local primary schools who are willing to be involved in the scheme. These courses are offered to children aged 10 years and over (usually year six pupils) and so it is worth checking with the school to see if they are running a course. Children undertake a minimum six hour course spread over four weeks and learn the basics of safe cycling, how to deal with different types of junction, signalling and rules of the road. These courses are run by parents who are trained and supervised by the Road Safety Officer. Volunteers are always needed at schools, so please think about volunteering to help out if you can.
- Basic understanding of the Highway Code
- Simple bike checks and how to get on and off safely
- Know how to use bike gears correctly
- Starting a journey, stopping and road positioning
- Perform riding tasks without wobbling
- Signaling and basic traffic understanding
- Safely navigate and avoid obstacles
Bikeability Level Two Cycling Training
Level two ‘Bikeability’ courses are run from March through to October each year by the Road Safety Officer, normally at Les Quennevais for anyone aged 10 years and over. There is a commitment of attending four sessions of 1.5 hours per day Monday to Friday. These courses offer practical ‘on-road’ riding experience, some of which is on main roads if the rider is skilled enough. The course follows the National Standard for Cycling syllabus known as Bikeability that provides cyclists with the skills and competence to deal and ride simple road junctions and understand basic rules of the road with confidence.
All lessons must be attended to be awarded a certificate.
2021 Level 1,2 & 3 Courses.
The Road Safety Officer has recently retired. There will be a delay until a replacement is appointed. Should you wish to book a Bikeability course please contact Jersey Sport by either emailing bookings@jerseysport.je or their website https://www.jerseysport.je/contact-us/
What is learnt on Level Two courses
- Intermediate understanding of the Highway Code
- Cover all ‘Level One’ training on a real road environment
- How to turn right and left at junctions, such as a T junction
- Safe alternative busy road signalling and turning
- Overtaking cars and hazards
- Use of cycling facilities on and off road
- Turning left at major roundabouts
Bikeability Level Three Cycling Training
Level three courses are for those who have either attained level two status or adults who perhaps need to build their confidence after a break from cycling or need to learn advanced riding techniques, to ride safely in more complex traffic situations (such as riding around major roundabouts, ring road riding, dealing with traffic islands, complex one way roads etc). The length of this course varies depending upon the level of skill and knowledge of the cyclist, but can be anywhere between three and six hours. There is no maximum age for this course.
- Advanced understanding of the Highway Code
- Cover all basic ‘off road’ training
- Cover all intermediate ‘off road’ training
- How to ride in busy town traffic
- Traffic lights and zebra/pelican crossings
- Lane changing on busy roads
- Manoeuvres on major roundabouts
Training course application
Level one courses, initially contact your child’s school to find out if they run these courses for their years six pupils, roughly half of the primary schools presently run courses with the help of parent volunteers.
Level Two & Three Courses, contact Jersey Sport by email bookings@jerseysport.je and provide your child’s name, your email address if you have one, your contact home address, the school your child attends, date of birth and your contact phone numbers.
Everyone attending courses must have a reasonable level of skill, i.e. be able to ride in a straight line without an undue wobble when signalling. Students must wear an approved cycle helmet and bring a roadworthy bike for the course. All bikes are given a safety check at the beginning of each course and any defects must be rectified.
Those attending a level one & two course will have to study the Highway Code and take a multi choice theory test consisting of thirty four questions, the results of this are taken into account in the final assessment. Level three candidates are given a verbal test on the Highway Code.
A practical evaluation takes place following the training of level one and ongoing assessment takes place for level’s two and three. All students will receive certification upon completion of their course.