Bikeability is the national cycle training standard in England. Like other cycling training schemes and standards around the world, Bikeability is about practical training. It sets out to give people the knowledge, skill set, and confidence to cycle safely on today’s roads.
Cycling is a fun, healthy, and environmentally-friendly way to get to school and has also been proven to improve concentration levels in the classroom. Bikeability training is the kickstart for many pupils in choosing to bike to school.
Off the back of Cycle to School week, we caught up with Hiplok’s local school Bikeability instructor, Alison Insley. Alison teaches Bikeability to children throughout Warwickshire and was shortlisted in 2022 for the Bikeability Trust’s, Rising Star Award and nominated in 2024 as Bikeability Instructor of the Year, for her work in the local community.
Can you summarise Bikeability for schools in one sentence?
The Bikeability cycle training programme equips children with the practical skills, knowledge and understanding to cycle with confidence and to become competent and consistent, when cycling on the roads, and sharing the road with all other road users.
What does your typical day as a Bikeability Instructor entail?
There are three levels to Bikeability training. Level 1 can be delivered on it’s own or as the first session of a Level 2 course. This is typically for children aged 7-10 and takes place in a traffic-free environment such as the school playground where they learn the first stages of bike-control. Whereas Level 2 is usually for children aged 9 – 11 and takes place on the roads, as does Level 3 which equips children with the skills needed to stay safe in more challenging urban situations and learn more advanced skills on roads that have potentially more volume of traffic, with road speeds in excess of 30mph, multi-lane roundabouts and traffic lights. This means that my day is varied depending on where and who I am working with. Typically, courses last several hours and are often over consecutive days – consistently building up cycle confidence and skills.
I also deliver 1-2-1 Learn to Ride sessions, these are available for anyone and everyone regardless of age, gender or background, they just need a roadworthy bike, a helmet and the will to learn! I really enjoy these sessions, I get an incredible feeling of satisfaction teaching a skill for life and seeing the joy in the eyes of someone who learns to ride with me.
What’s your story – how did you become a Bikeability instructor?
I was a regular cyclist and used to cycle to work, to the gym and to squash coaching. However, one day when I was cycling home after coaching, I was hit by a car that was attempting to overtake me. The accident left me with a damaged shoulder which meant I needed to have surgery and had to give up my job as an on-call firefighter. I needed to reinvent myself and do something positive to help raise awareness of cyclists and equip more people with the skills and confidence to travel by means of active travel. In 2021, I decided to apply for a role as a Cycling Instructor and I’ve never looked back!
What do you love about being a Bikeability instructor?
I love teaching and imparting my passion for cycling and all the benefits of cycling. Cycling is a way of connecting and making friends for life. Seeing the kids’ faces when bonding with friends and being active is really rewarding. Cycling gives children so much more – independence, social skills and a sense of wellbeing.
What would be your number one piece of advice for kids with regard to cycling?
Try it!
What do you think the future holds cycling?
Here in the UK, we need huge investment in infrastructure. We’ve got this great program and cycle instructors but we need to invest in infrastructure. This is key to people feeling confident on bikes and for parents and guardians in feeling confident to allow their children to cycle to school. Active kids will turn into active adults and they will become the future ambassadors for cycling.
To find out more about Bikeability, check out the Bikeability website >>
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