When a child first cycles on the road, it will probably be the first time they have used their cycle as a mode of transport rather than a toy.
Cycling on roads requires children to be aware of the possible dangers, and to ride with total confidence.
Cyclist training helps to develop children's observation and manoeuvrability skills, introduces the Highway Code for young road users, teaches the importance of cycle maintenance and hazard awareness, and provides information and advice on being conspicuous and wearing protective headgear.
The training is carried out in three stages:
Stage 1A (off road)
A child cyclist must show they are able to:
- get on and off their bike
- start off and pedal
- stop safely
- ride for at least a minute
- steer and control the direction of their bike.
Stage 1B (off road)
A child cyclist must show they are able to:
- use their gears
- stop in an emergency
- manoeuvre safely to avoid objects
- look all around, including behind without wobbling
- signal left and right without wobbling
- carry out a simple bike check.
Stage 2 (on road)
A child cyclist must show they are able to:
- start an on-road journey
- finish an on-road journey
- be aware of everything around them as they ride
- understand when and how to signal their intentions to other road users
- understand their road position
- pass parked vehicles
- pass side roads
- turn left into a major road and right into a minor road
- turn right into a major road and left into a minor road
- be able to take the correct carriageway when required
- decide where and when cycle lanes will help their journey and show correct use
- explain their decisions during the ride and so demonstrate an understanding of safety
- demonstrate a basic understanding of the Highway Code.
Stage 3 (on road and advanced)
A child cyclist must show they are able to:
- show how to use a roundabout
- use junctions controlled by traffic lights safely
- use multi lane roads safely
- understand filtering and show the ability to decide when to filter and when to wait
- use on- and off-road cycle facilities
- perceive hazards and deal with hazards
- understand how to route plan.