The Provision Of Bikeability Services

Medway is one of the largest conurbations in the South East outside London with a population of approximately 275,000. The area has exceptional geography, a rich heritage, a dynamic and creative population, and a resurgent economy. Medway also has a rapidly expanding population and with the proposed development in the Thames Gateway region an increase in the general population from 275,000 to 300,000 over the next ten to twenty years is anticipated. Bikeability is a UK Government standard, created by the Department for Transport and based upon the National Standard for Cycle Training. The standard was introduced in 2017 following approval by the Cycle Training Standards Board. Bikeability then replaced what was traditionally known as ‘cycling proficiency’ training. The scheme is designed primarily to provide children and young people the skills and confidence to ride their bikes on today’s roads. Bikeability training is generally undertaken once a child has learnt to ride a bike, and encompasses three levels: • Level 1 – Helping and training new riders to control their bikes • Level 2 – Helping to develop on-road skills, and typically undertaken by children in Years 5 and 6 before leaving junior school. • Level 3 – Teaching students how to ride in different traffic situations and typically undertaken by children of second school age. The scheme also provides Bikeability Balance training, a series of school based sessions designed to prepare children with the skills needed to take part in Bikeability Level 1 by improving cycle handling and spatial awareness.