Free National Standard cycle training for adults in Birmingham.

For more details of cycle training for adults, please phone 707 0420 or by email to Graham Hankins



Cycle training uses the latest National Standards,to help any adult who is concerned about cycling in road conditions, to use their bicycle more confidently, 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 - adequately inflated? Sound, or punctured? Tread good, or worn?
  • brakes - are the blocks good, or worn? Do they align with the rim, or do they rub along the tyre wall? Do they apply within about 1/3rd of the lever's travel?
  • Handlebars - firm within frame, or loose? Aligned with front wheel, or twisted?
  • 'Bottom bracket' (where the pedals rotate) - no side play, or loose?
  • Saddle - tight and at a comfortable height, or poorly adjusted for the rider?
  • gears - clean and adequately lubricated, or dry and rusty?
    and ensures that other vital bits are tight. 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; left foot on ground, right pedal at '2 O'CLOCK' position.
  • Correct use of brakes: rear (left lever) before front (right lever) with relaxed arms in normal stops and stiffer arms for faster stops.
  • Correct use of gears: selecting a gear for easier, more effective pedalling; changing 'down' before slowing or stopping.
  • Maintaining cycle balance and control while giving arm signals and while looking behind.

    All this happens strictly off-road, in a quiet place or area.

    National Standards Level 2 takes the Lv.1 training onto a quiet road and introduces the Primary and Secondary riding positions.

    Level 2 will then apply these positions for left and right turns at various simple junctions between 'major' and 'minor' roads at quiet locations. At the end of Level 2 the client should be able to ride a real journey on the quieter roads more safely. Training is available throughout Birmingham and a tutor either comes to you, or arranges to meet at your preferred location.

    For more details of cycle training for adults, please phone 707 0420 or by email to Graham Hankins