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Cyclist training

Suffolk Young Cyclist Training Course

Information for Parents
The Road Safety Team promotes and co-ordinates the delivery of cyclist training.

We are currently running 2 styles of training - Bikeability (National Standards) and the Suffolk Young Cyclist Training Course (SYCTC).

The major differences between the schemes are that Bikeability is delivered by accredited trainers who demonstrate the skills required of the trainees whilst riding, whilst the SYCTC instructors are volunteers trained by our staff and deliver instruction from the roadside.

We are introducing the Bikeability scheme gradually - initially in Ipswich and Lowestoft. Click here to download the Bikeability leaflet (PDF 3mb).

For more information about the other difference between the Bikeability and SYCTC and why we are running both schemes, look in the FAQ section.

Course Content:

Level 1 is basic bicycle skills, balance and handling, and takes place on the playground.

Level 2 moves onto the road and looks at everyday cycling activities: dealing with parked cars, u-turns, Junctions, left and right turns. All level 2 training takes place on real roads.

Levels 1 and 2 are similar to the traditional cycling proficiency course.

Level 3 is more advanced road cycling: complex junctions, roundabouts and looks in more depth at route planning. (At this present moment we do not run Level 3 courses.)

Parent/Guardian involvement

The Bike
Please ensure that your children's bikes are both roadworthy and road legal, and are the correct size for the rider. We teach the children how to check their bikes for faults and perform basic safety checks - brakes, tyres, chain, saddle height, etc. They must all have a rear red reflector.

Clothing and safety equipment
Please ensure the children bring a rain coat and wear shoes or trainers, rather than sandals. We provide high visibility vests and we request that they have a cycle helmet that fits them. We can help adjust it to fit correctly.

Cycling will take place in all weather.

Permission Slips
All parents/guardians will be required to return a permission slip prior to the course starting. You Must inform the school if there is any medical issue - such as asthma - that the trainer needs to be aware of.

The Training
The children will be taking a 6 to 8 hour course and will often be given a workbook or a cycling information book. It would be appreciated if parents and guardians encourage the children to read/complete the books, encouraging them to learn and understand the information.

Information for Schools
Most schools in Suffolk are eligible for support with cyclist training. Those of you already involved will find course booking materials on this page.

If you are not already involved please contact your local road safety representative, listed below.

Please note: we are encouraging schools to adopt a training programme that takes place within the school day. This allows us to offer the training throughout the year. We feel that it is a vital life skill.

CRB/ISA registration
All S.C.C. Cyclist Trainers have enhanced CRB checks. Any volunteer helpers in the school will need to be registered with the Independent Safeguarding Association and be CRB checked. This has to be managed by the individual educational establishments.

If you are involved with the Suffolk Young Cyclist Training Course this will be an issue. Those schools involved with the newer National Standards 'Bikeability' course will be aware that this is now not an issue. See FAQ for further details.

PCSO and Police Officer Support
Click here for more information.