What happens at cycling tuition?
Pedal Ahead! teaches to the National Standard for Cycling Tuition. There are three essential skills involved in being able to ride a bike independently – balance, coordination, and locomotion. Each learner has different needs. We will assess exactly what you/your child need/s in order to teach them as efficiently as possible.
For Improvers, who can already pedal at least ten metres without stabilisers and without help, we teach Level One of the National Standards for Cycling Instruction (off-road), Level Two (beginning to ride on the road) and Level Three (more challenging roads).
What happens at a learn to ride class?
Firstly, we will make sure your bike is safe to ride and your helmet fits properly. Then we will show you how to get on and off a bike properly. A lot of people struggle with this, knowing how to get on and off properly will help you enormously.
For most people we will then teach you to scoot the bike, which involves making the bike move by pushing it along with the feet on the ground. You will not be attempting to use the pedals at this stage. During scooting, we will concentrate on improving your balance and body posture. If you learn balance and body posture correctly during scooting then it will make it much easier to learn to pedal.
With younger children, we may advise you to temporarily remove the pedals or use a balance bike at this stage.
When our instructors think you are ready to pedal, then we will show you the correct technique for pedalling. Sometimes, especially with a young child, we will suggest a mixture of pedalling and scooting. Each learner is different when it comes to pedalling and our instructors will coach you accordingly.
We will also teach you how to use the brakes correctly. This is another thing that many people get wrong and then end up skidding or wobbling. If you know how to brake properly then it is a much smoother experience.
Once you can consistently pedal for ten metres without help and without stopping, then you are ready for Level One.
What happens at a Level One class?
Level One builds on Learn To Ride and includes the following off-road activities:
- recap of pedalling technique including start position
- recap of correct braking technique
- making the bike go where you want
- looking behind
- controlling the bike with one hand
- slow cycling
- emergency braking and emergency swerve
- showing respect and consideration for other people and animals in the park.
If your child is due to do Bikeability at school, then these are all things that children are assessed on at Bikeability, so our class will help them to get their Bikeability certificate much more easily.
Once you have completed Level One, we will advise you of your options for doing Levels Two and Three, on the road. If the learner is a child then this will be discussed with the parent and we will only teach a child on the road if we agree with the parent that it is safe to do so.
What happens on a level 2 or 3 class?
On level 2 we will teach on quieter roads including:
- Road positioning
- Observations
- Passing parked vehicles and side roads safely
- Negotiating various types of road junction
- Highway code for cyclists
- How to prepare for a journey including planning and clothing
- Deciding when to use cycling infrastructure – and when it’s not safe to do so
You can only do a level 2 class with us if you have previously completed a level 1 class with us or another cycling instructor.
On level 3 we will teach on busier roads including:
- Riding in traffic
- Roundabouts
- Traffic lights.
You can only do a level 2 class with us if you have previously completed levels 1 and 2 with us or another cycling instructor.
How long will it take to learn to ride?
A small number of children and adults learn to pedal in a few minutes, but for many children, it takes one or two sessions. It’s not uncommon for it to take three or four sessions. This is why our minimum booking for children is four sessions, and we are unable to offer single sessions for children. If you’ve tried to teach your child yourself and you don’t seem to be getting anywhere, then it doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong. We don’t do single sessions for children, because it puts too much pressure on the child. A course of four sessions puts less pressure on your child, and creates a psychologically safe space in which they can learn at their own pace.
Why isn’t my child pedalling yet?
Young children of 4, 5, 6 and even 7 are still learning balance, coordination, and locomotion. Our tutors will teach them ways to improve their balance, coordination, and locomotion to prepare them for pedalling.
Many people put their feet and pedals in an incorrect position when pedalling. We often see parents trying to teach their children to pedal the same way. This doesn’t always work. Our tutors will teach your child the correct positioning of the feet and pedals.
Sometimes we see children attempting to ride a bike that is too small for them, or is the wrong shape. Some types of bike are more difficult to learn on than others. If we think this is the case we will advise you on the choice of a suitable bike. Often, changing to a more suitable bike is enough for someone to be able to pedal. This is another reason why our minimum booking for children is four sessions – because parents often find they need to change bike after the first session. Once your child has learned on one bike, they will be capable of riding any bike and can go back to their favourite bike if they want to. We will also advise you on what to look out for when buying a new or second hand bike for your child.
My child has additional needs – can they still learn to pedal?
If your child has any additional needs, e.g. autism, dyspraxia, hypermobility, learning difficulties, then please tell us when you book. Our tutors have experience in this area. Even if your child doesn’t have a diagnosis but you think they have a condition that affects their ability to cycle, then please tell us anyway.
Every child is different and everyone learns at their own pace. It takes as long as it takes. Most of all, please trust our tutors, they are the experts.
Can I teach my own child?
You’ve been there for your child throughout their whole life. You potty-trained them. You sang Ten Green Bottles to them in the bath so they would learn maths. You taught them to read. You should be able to teach them to cycle … but you don’t seem to be getting anywhere.
Don’t worry – it’s normal. Some children need a little help.
What should I bring to class?
You should bring a bike and helmet. We strongly recommend the use of a helmet for adults and respectfully request that children wear one. We will advise you on correct fitting of the helmet, including if your cultural or religious beliefs mean that you need extra help with fitting a helmet e.g. for a veil or turban.
You should wear suitable clothing and footwear. When learning to ride, it is not advisable to wear shorts, as your legs may brush against the pedals while you are learning. It is best to wear jeans while learning to ride. Please bring a bottle of water. We also advise you to wear gloves, even in warm weather, as they prevent your fingers from getting tired. They don’t have to be specialist cycling gloves, any gloves or mittens will help.
Nervous children may bring a favourite toy such as a teddy bear or doll, as long as they understand that you will hold on to the toy while they are riding.
Bike hire
If you are an adult learning at or near Cannon Hill Park then you can hire a bike from West Midlands Cycle Hire.
I have booked a course of four lessons for my child … can I book extra lessons?
Yes you can book extra lessons at £31 per hour. Our instructors will arrange booking and payment.
How do I book?
Please book here.
Pedal Ahead! The Transfer, The Old Print Works, 498-506 Moseley Road, Balsall Heath, Birmingham, B12 9AH.