National Standard cycle training for adults in Birmingham.
Cycle ownership in Birmingham is not reflected in useage, even amongst adults. Although groups of bikes can be usually be seen secured to 'Sheffield' stands around the city, many more remain in garages, only brought out for trips along the canal towpaths at weekends. Yet the bicycle has some advantages over the car, particularly for the shorter trip. Obviously no parking problems, a bicycle can get there more quickly than a car, the rider will eventually be fitter and, with 'Carbon Footprint' the buzzword, the bicycle is clearly non-polluting. Cycle training from 'Cyclewize', using the latest National Standards, can help any adult who is concerned about cycling in road conditions, to use their bicycle more often.
National Standards Level 1. Would begin with a basic look at your bicycle, to check that it is safe to be ridden. This covers tyres, brakes, gears and ensures that vital bits are tight and correctly adjusted. Sometimes clients comment that their bike is uncomfortable or tiring to ride, and this can be due to some slight, but long-standing mis-adjustment.
If the client is new to cycling, then 'Cyclewize' can help and advise on getting going; balance and straight-line riding. But where a client cycled years ago and needs a refresher, Level 1 continues with best start-off procedure, use of gears, controlled and 'emergency' stopping and slow-speed control. All this happens strictly off-road, in a quiet place or area and would be followed by practice in observation when riding a bike and how to signal without loss of control.
National Standards Level 2 takes the Lv.1 training onto a quiet road and introduces the Primary and Secondary riding positions. Various simple turns and junctions will be cycled, with the National Standard Tutor either watching, or riding close behind the client ('paired' riding). At the end of Level 2 the client should be able to ride a real journey on the quieter roads more safely.
While all NC levels are optional, National Standards Level 3 certainly is. The now more confident client will train on busier roads, including (if the client wishes) small and larger roundabouts. But all content is Client Driven and if a client does not wish to address Level 3, then training would only proceed to their requirements. 'Cyclewize' can also advise on cycling any specific road situation or junction of concern to a client.
'Cyclewize' training is available throughout Birmingham and a tutor either comes to you, or arranges to meet at your preferred location.
For more details of 'Cyclewize' cycle training or costs, please phone 707 0420 or by email to Graham Hankins
