Introduction to Cycle Training and FAQs

This is a brief introduction to Cycle Training by David Dansky (Skydancer) who works for CTUK

The aim of training cyclists is to 'get more people riding more often more safely'
This is the mantra for Bikeability, the new National Standard for cycle training.
Clearly people who can't ride a bike or who are unsure about how to ride on the road will
benefit from training and (as research has demonstrated) will be more likely to make
cycle trips after being trained.

The training is progressive and takes place in realistic road conditions.
It builds up skills starting off road looking atbike control (level 1) moving onto basic single
lane roads looking at positioning and communication (level 2).
The training ends by looking at complex road situations on muti-lane roads, gyratory systems
and large roundabouts (level 3).

Training is especially beneficial for experienced riders who will no doubt improve their
risk assessment skills, become better communicators from the saddle and ride in a more
assertive manner or at the very least will undo some bad habits they have picked up.
An experienced rider will complete the whole syllabus to the end of level 3 in under
2 hours. Experienced riders note that they move through traffic more efficiently and have
less conflict with other road users after being trained.

Because of the effectiveness of training in promoting cycling, national and local government
are both funding training across England and Wales. This means that it is possible to receive
either free or subsidised from a professional trained cycling instructor.

The LFGSS wishes to promote cycle training, recognises that there is a team of excellent
instructors on this forum and hopes to provide information (FAQ) and facilitate discussions
around training, riding experiences and techniques.