The aim of the Cycle skills training programme is to increase the bike-riding competency of children, young people, and adults.
The training is based on a national cycle education program, BikeReady which incorporates cycle skills training, to make bike riding safer and more fun from childhood onwards.
BikeReady has been developed by Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).
The delivery of Cycle skills training in the Northland is funded by the Whangarei District Council (WDC), Far North District Council (FNDC), and Waka Kotahi. The programme is delivered through a partnership between Bike Northland and Sport Northland and is free to schools and all participants.
Cycle skills training in Schools
Cycle skills training in schools helps teachers to support student learning in two ways. Get easy access to bike skills training by professional instructors and use curriculum resources in the classroom. Participation in Cycle skills adds an authentic context for learning. Teachers and students can explore well-being (hauora), empathy, the transport system, and active citizenship. The programme aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum, physical activity guidelines, and the National Administration Guidelines.
Read testimonials from school staff and students…
How will Cycle Skills training benefit your students?
There are many benefits to riding a bike. Trainees participating in the programme will:
- improve their motor skills
- experience a wide range of cycling activities
- learn important road safety skills
- develop independence and consideration for others
How does it work?
We offer two levels for schools for students between years 5-8.
Grade 1 usually takes between 2-5 hours in a non-traffic environment such as the school grounds or similar open spaces such as netball courts. Grade 1 is aimed at students aged 8 and over (We focus on Year 5+ in Northland). The required skills are taught through a combination of fun drills and games.
Core skills covered in Grade 1
- carry out a simple helmet and bike check
- check other safety equipment, clothing, and legal requirements
- get on and off, start off, and pedal
- stop by using both brakes and cover brakes when riding along
- steer the bike and maneuver safely to avoid objects
- use the gears
- looking all around including behind and over both shoulders, without losing control
- cycle with one hand and signaling (stop, left, and right)
- stop quickly and with control
Grade 2 training takes 7-8 hours to complete. Training will take place initially in the school grounds and then move on to quiet streets near the school or open areas. Grade 2 is aimed at students aged 10 and over (Year 6+). We encourage teachers to join us on the roads if they are able to.
Core skills covered in Grade 2
- identify some road signs and road rules
- start and stop from the side of the road
- ride along the road
- pass a parked vehicle
- pass a side road
- turn left from the main road to a side road and from a side road to the main road
- turn right from a side road to the main road and the main road to a side road
- travel straight through at intersections
- understand hazard identification in Grade 2 environments – with attention to driver blind spots
- understand how to communicate with other road users
Bike Northland provides bikes and helmets to all participants for the duration of the course. This ensures everyone has access to a safe suitable bike for the training.
Cycle skills training for adults and workplaces
Cycle skills training is also available for workplaces and adults. With the rapid uptake of e-bikes and increasing awareness of the environmental and health benefits of commuting by bike, there are more people riding bikes. It is important for your own safety and that of other road users to understand the rules of riding on the road and have the skills to feel confident and competent riding your bike. If you or your workplace is interested in receiving cycle skills training please get in touch via the link below.
To get cycle skills training delivered to your school or workplace…
Contact Us: info@bikenorthland.co.nz
For more information about the programme visit: bikeready.govt.nz
