Cycle Training

Whatever your age, ability or background, Cycle training offers something for everyone - whether you cannot ride a bike at all, are returning to cycling after a break or are a regular cyclist wanting to develop your skills further. Cycle training equips you with the skills to handle your bike properly, deal confidently and safely with traffic and road situations and often covers basic bicycle maintenance and adjustment.

Cycle training for adults

Cycle training for adults is an excellent idea, even if you already feel fairly confident about cycling on the road. A couple of hours' instruction will help you perfect your road riding and bicycle control techniques and give you confidence that you are dealing with traffic, junctions and road conditions in the best possible manner. Cycle training can also teach you more efficient techniques to make your journey faster and more comfortable.

There are a number of organisations in and around Somerset offering cycle training for adults. Some employers also arrange courses for their staff and Somerset County Council occasionally run adult cycle training sessions open to anyone. The type of training provided is suited to your individual needs and ability. This can range from the basics of bicycle control and learning to ride, right through to techniques for faster commuting and dealing with heavy traffic conditions. Qualified instructors are often also able to help you overcome disabilities and health problems.

Somerset County Council offers adult cycle training sessions, subject to demand. For more information, go to our page on Cycle Training for £5.

Cycle training for children

Cycle training for children is often offered through schools, usually in the final years of primary school (years 5 and 6). In Somerset, training is provided by the Somerset Road Safety Partnership and the Moving Forward School Travel Plan team at Somerset County Council. There are also a number of private cycle training providers. Please use the contact details on the left to get in touch if you would like to find out about opportunities for cycle training for children. 

Control skills and off-road training are usually recommended for children aged 7-9 years old, with on-road training for children aged 10-11. Older children and adults can also progress to more in-depth learning in heavier traffic and more complex road conditions.