Every year children from the City's primary and middle schools are invited 
to take part in Cycle Smart! formerly known as Cycle Proficiency Training.
Children from year 4 take part in three sessions which involve practical cycling training in the school grounds and supporting cycle related homework.
All children are encouraged to take part in the training and take a practical test at the end of the third session. If they pass the test they will receive a certificate of achievement and a badge.
Key road safety messages are reinforced by the cycle instructors throughout the training programme. Children are encouraged to stay with a responsible adult at all times and to always wear a cycle helmet and bright clothing when they are out cycling.
National Bike Week
In addition to Cycle Smart! and the new Bikeability programme, every year schools are invited to take part in cycle trips from Newburn to Wylam.
Over a week long event we take 30 children per day and teach them to cycle on an off road environment on the scenic Newburn to Wylam route. The rides are lead by experienced cycle trainers and we are supported by teaching staff from the schools.
Bikeability - 'Cycling Proficiency' for the 21st Century
Bikeability is the National Standard Cycle training programme developed by cycling organisations and the government.
In Newcastle, Bikeability training is being delivered by our training partner BikeRight! a leading provider of accredited instructors courses and cycle training for children in the UK.
In school cycling training is aimed at year 5 and 6 pupils with each child receiving up to 8 hours of training over a two week period.
Bikeability Level 1 is taught in a traffic free environment and children learn the basics of how to control their bike and make an off-road trip on cycle paths.
Level 2 covers training on quiet roads but in real traffic conditions. Children who achieve this level will be able to make a trips to school or elsewhere on small roads.
Newcastle Cycle Trainers achieve Bikeability Accreditation
In October 2011, seven members of the Road Safety Team sussessfully completed their assessment to become fully qualified National Standard Bikeability Trainers.
Deputy member for environment and transport Councillor Nigel Todd said "I am really proud of the team in achieving their accreditation and becoming fully qualified Bikeability trainers. They work hard to deliver our Cycle Smart training to over 1,200 children every year and this extra training qualification will enable them to offer even more sessions to people across the city."
More information on Bikeability and BikeRight! can be found on their websites - www.bikeright.co.uk, www.dft.gov.uk/bikeability
Please contact the Road Safety Team for further details about CycleSmart! training, cycle trips and Bikeability on 0191 2115961 or email road.safety@newcastle.gov.uk
Page last updated: 1 February, 2012
