We’re thrilled to announce a brilliant bit of summer fun for kids in 21 British cities: free cycling proficiency lessons from Britvic and Cycle Confident.
Offering free cycling lessons for kids is a great way to encourage healthy physical activity and help them develop important life skills. Here are some potential steps you could take to provide these lessons:
- Partner with a local organization: Consider partnering with a local organization, such as a community center or bike advocacy group, to provide the lessons. These groups may have resources and connections that can help make the program a success.
- Recruit volunteers: Reach out to members of the community, such as parents, teachers, and avid cyclists, to volunteer their time to teach the lessons.
- Gather equipment: You will need to gather equipment such as bicycles, helmets, and safety gear. Consider reaching out to local businesses and community members to donate or loan equipment.
- Develop a curriculum: Develop a curriculum that outlines the skills you want to teach, such as balancing, braking, and turning. Plan lessons that are appropriate for different skill levels and age groups.
- Advertise the program: Promote the program through local media, social media, and word of mouth. Consider partnering with schools and community organizations to help spread the word.
- Ensure safety: Safety should be a top priority. Ensure that all participants wear helmets and that the lessons take place in a safe and controlled environment.
By providing free cycling lessons for kids, you can help promote physical activity, develop important life skills, and create a fun and engaging activity for children in your community.
The Trickiest Balance: Helping Kids Become Independent… And Stay Safe
Helping kids become independent while also keeping them safe can be a tricky balance. Here are some tips that may help:
- Start with small steps: Begin by giving your child small tasks or responsibilities that allow them to gradually build their independence. For example, you might have them make their own breakfast, walk to a nearby store with a friend, or take public transportation to a familiar location.
- Teach safety skills: As you give your child more independence, it’s important to teach them how to be safe. This may include teaching them how to cross the street, use public transportation, or navigate unfamiliar areas. Be sure to reinforce these skills regularly and review them often.
- Set clear boundaries: Establish clear boundaries and rules for your child’s safety. This might include setting curfews, outlining what areas they are allowed to visit, and establishing safety protocols for emergencies.
- Monitor their activities: Even as your child becomes more independent, it’s important to keep an eye on their activities. This might mean checking in with them regularly, monitoring their social media activity, or tracking their location with a GPS app.
- Encourage communication: Encourage your child to communicate openly and honestly with you. Make it clear that they can come to you with any concerns or problems they may have, and be sure to listen to them without judgment.
- Stay involved: Even as your child becomes more independent, it’s important to stay involved in their lives. Attend their school events, meet their friends, and stay engaged in their interests and hobbies.
Remember, finding the right balance between independence and safety is a process, and it may take time to get it right. Be patient and flexible, and always prioritize your child’s safety above all else.
A Parent’s Primer On Cycle Confident And Bikeability Training
Cycle confident and Bikeability training are programs designed to teach children and young people how to cycle safely on the roads. Here’s a primer on what you need to know as a parent:
- What is Cycle Confident and Bikeability training?
Cycle Confident and Bikeability training are two separate programs that both aim to teach children and young people how to cycle safely on the roads. Cycle Confident is an adult cycling program that offers individual and group training, while Bikeability is a national program for school-age children that provides three levels of training.
- What are the benefits of Cycle Confident and Bikeability training?
The benefits of these programs include improved cycling skills, increased confidence on the roads, and greater awareness of road safety. By learning how to cycle safely, children and young people are better equipped to travel independently and make healthy choices.
- What do the training programs involve?
The specific training programs will depend on the level of training and the age of the participants. Generally, the programs involve a mix of practical cycling exercises and classroom-based learning, covering topics such as basic bike maintenance, road safety rules, and how to cycle safely in traffic.
- How can I get my child involved in Cycle Confident or Bikeability training?
To get your child involved in Bikeability training, speak to their school to find out if the program is offered. If not, you can contact your local council or a private training provider to see if they offer the training. To get involved in Cycle Confident training, contact your local council or look for private training providers in your area.
- What can I do to support my child’s training?
You can support your child’s training by ensuring they have a suitable bike and safety gear, such as a helmet and high-visibility clothing. Encourage them to practice their cycling skills regularly and reinforce the safety rules they learn in the program. It’s also important to model safe cycling behavior yourself and reinforce the importance of road safety.
By supporting your child’s participation in Cycle Confident or Bikeability training, you can help them develop important cycling skills and confidence, setting them up for a lifetime of healthy and safe independent travel.
Bikeability training is designed to give the next generation the skills and confidence to ride their bikes on today’s roads. Courses encourage kids to learn, practice and enjoy Bikeability training. Children finish the course with skills of safe cycling and happy memories of using the bicycle.
Here’s How It All Works
200 two-hour lessons will be offered in each of the following locations, with courses in Scotland running Monday-Friday from 8 August, and all other courses running Monday-Friday from 22 August:
- Aberdeen
- Kilmarnock
- Blackpool
- Bristol
- Cambridge
- Colchester
- Doncaster
- Durham
- Gatwick
- Leeds
- Manchester
- Milton Keynes
- Newcastle upon Tyne
- Norwich
- Nottingham
- Osterley
- Peterborough
- Plymouth
- Reading
- Rugby
- Swansea
We anticipate lots of interest in these lessons so we’re giving them away on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve your child’s lesson, please email [email protected] and clearly state (a) how many kids you would like to register, and (b) which location(s) is most convenient for you.
If there are still slots available in your location, we’ll send you a code you can use to register on the Cycle Confident website to book the specific time of your kids’ course. Lessons last two hours and there will be a maximum of 12 kids in each group. Well, what are you waiting for? On your bike!
