Cycling Proficiency

pottssteve

Hello!

I'm looking to run a cycling proficiency course here in Hong Kong (I work at a school and want to train the students up). Does anyone know where I can get a copy of what is taught in the UK, so I can adapt it for use here? Alternatively, can anyone recommend resources for me to use/follow?
I'd be doing a basic course, focussing on handling skills, awareness and the like as kids aren't allowed on roads here until age 11 and most of the participants would be yonnger than this.
Any advice greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Steve

BeaconRuth

I think it's true to say that the 'Cycling Proficiency' qualification as such is now dead and superceded by what is called the 'Bikeability' scheme. I'm not sure who strictly owns the scheme but as I understand it, anyone can train up as a Bikeability instructor and could then be hired by local authorities to go into schools or run courses in school holidays. I believe that British Cycling and the CTC are also providers. If you googled 'Bikeability' I doubt you'd take long to find out what you're after.

Ruth

pottssteve

Thanks Ruth,
I'm aware of the Bikeability scheme - there's lots of info on it, together with useful websites etc, but I can't find an actual breakdown of what's taught. I gather there's a companion book to the scheme - anyone know any details, please?
Thanks,
Steve

Tom Butcher

It's three levels - the second two levels are on road so you'd be doing level one. Basically it's just simple stuff to increase confidence and bike control. So stuff like quick bike check and clothing check, how to brake, ride with one hand, slow speed control. There's really not much to level one. In my opinion you might be better off seeing if you can get hold of a copy of the British Cycling Go Ride Gears booklets that have little games in them which are aimed at an off road setting.

Really though I think you could make it up yourself. Do stuff like get them looking over a shoulder and you hold up a coloured card and get them to shout the colour. Get them to ride one handed and then high 5 you. Little slaloms. Slow race. Mark a box on the ground and get them all to ride round slowly in it without putting their feet down - make the box progressively smaller. Do a cross over thing like a motorcycle display team where they go in between one another. Just use your imagination.

pottssteve

Thanks, Tom,
You're right, I'm only aiming to do Level 1 style things. Thanks for the great ideas for activities though!
Best wishes,
Steve