Bikeability is a 21st-century all-inclusive cycle programme, aimed at school pupils in P4 and above. It teaches them bike skills and road safety awareness, while supporting the Curriculum of Excellence.
Bikeability Scotland training is free and supported by a network of qualified instructors, who are often teachers, parents, and members of the local community.
Why choose Bikeability?
Bikeability Scotland is a fun and practical way for children to stay active and develop a sense of independence. It also promotes environmental sustainability as a form of transportation.
Bikeability training is known to contribute to your child’s:
- Emotional, social, and physical well-being
- Hazard perception and awareness
- Education and attainment
- Confidence
How does it work?
There are three levels of Bikeability Scotland training:
- Level 1: This level is usually delivered in P4/5.
- Riders learn how to prepare for a journey, check their bike and equipment for safety, and develop control skills, good observations, and decision-making.
- Training is completed in a traffic-free setting.
- Level 2: This level is usually delivered in P6.
- It takes place on single-lane roads with simple junctions and moderate traffic, once a rider has successfully demonstrated level 1 skills.
- Riders learn to make good and frequent observations, communicate their intentions clearly to other road users, decide on and use the most suitable riding position, understand priorities on a road, and make decisions about when people wait and when people go.
- Level 3: This level is usually delivered between P7 and S4.
- It develops skills and confidence for cycling on complex, busy, or fast roads and junctions, sometimes with heavy traffic.
- It takes place after a rider has successfully demonstrated all the level 2 outcomes.
The year groups suggested above are intended as a guide. Bikeability Scotland Level 1 training can be delivered as soon as children can balance on their bikes.
While Level 1 creates a foundation by providing children with essential basic skills and knowledge, the core of the training occurs at Level 2. It is recommended to plan for the delivery of Levels 1 and 2 from the beginning, adding Level 3 at a later stage.
For more information, you can visit the following links:
- National Standard for Cycle Training (publishing.service.gov.uk)
- Bikeability Scotland - Instructors - Support - Cycling Scotland
- Bikeability Scotland - Local Authorities - Curriculum for Excellence - Cycling Scotland
SQA Information
