Cycle training
How to find practical on road training programmes.
Cycle training for children
The training is designed to help children to develop the skills needed to cope with moving traffic and to become aware of other road users. If you would like to find out more, please call Wendy Jennings on 01844 355963 or 07776 164054, or email wendy.jennings@oxfordshire.gov.uk.
Where is the training?
Cycle training takes place in our primary schools around the county. Contact your head teacher if you are interested in your child taking the course, or if you would like to be involved with the cycle training programme yourself.
Some sports centres offer cycle training in school holidays, for which they charge:
- Ferry Sports Centre, Oxford - 01865 467060
- Kidlington & Gosford Leisure Centre, Kidlington - 01865 376368
- Tilsley Park Leisure Centre, Abingdon - 01235 524524
Who does the training?
Instructors, who have been trained by qualified staff, will run the courses.
How long does it take?
It takes a minimum of six hours. Timing is flexible to fit in with school timetables, eg one to one and a half hours per session once or twice a week.
What does the child learn?
The training starts off-road, probably on a school playground, to make sure the child has good control of their bike. The on-road sessions deal with starting, stopping, left and right turns and overtaking a vehicle. Your child will also study the Highway Code.
What testing is done?
The test is in two parts. Firstly, a Highway Code test (see Arrive Alive - a children's highway code website), usually done by the volunteers. The second part is the road test, to demonstrate that the child can start, stop, and do the left and right turns safely in traffic. This is done by the county's examiners.
How much does it cost?
The training is free of charge to both the schools and the child. It is funded by our road safety budget. This is made possible by our instructors giving their services free of charge.
What equipment is needed?
A cycle in good roadworthy condition (see the safety checks document below), which is legal for on-road training, and of the correct size for the child. A correctly fitted cycle helmet is also required, which must be worn during training.
Adult cycle training
We do not offer adult cycle training, but the following contacts may be able to help:
If you provide adult cycle training, please contact us and we will add you to our list.
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This page was last updated on 12 August 2008
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