A Brief History

Cycle Training first suggested in 1930’s

Cycle Proficiency introduced in1947 by RoSPA and CTC

1974 RoSPA stop teaching Cycling Proficiency.

1990's about 30% of Local Authorities no longer offering any training.

1996 the National Cycling Strategy was set up

2000 - 2002 Consultation into the ‘State of Cycle Training’ by CTC and Wheels for All published their “Report on Cycling for People with Disabilities and Differing Needs 2002”

2003 Adult national standard published by CTC, supported by government

2003 - 2004 National audits by ERCDT for DfT.

2004 - 2005 Child Standard created and adopted with the first instructors trained

2005 - 2005 National standards referenced in Health White Paper and DfT "Active Travel Strategy".

2005 DfT and CTC partnership to launch new training helpline, professional register and advice service.

2005 Kevin Mayne appointed to Cycling England Board as training specialist.

2005 National training supported in first Cycling England Work Plan, Capacity Building Plan funded with £950,000, awarded to CTC Charitable Trust.

2006 June., Transport Minister announces major new funding for training.

2006 September thru' March 2007 National Standards were rebranded Bikeability. The pilot scheme, involved Merseyside, Exeter, Essex, Cornwall, Manchester, Hertfordshire, the Isle of Wight, and Kingston in London, where nearly 10,000 badges were awarded.

2007 – Bikeability was rolled out nationally, ending with the launch in Cornwall in August of that year. Later in the year saw the creation of the Cycle Training Standards Board (CTSB) replacing the former National Cycling Strategy Board.

2008 onwards .. Bikeability funded by government through the Youth Sports Trust.

2010 Instructor Training Organisations replaced Instructor Training Providers.

2011 saw the demise of the Cycling England with the DfT now working with Steer Davies Gleave (Independent Transport Consultants). The DfT downloadable publication, "Delivering Inclusive Cycle Training: A Good Practice Guide for Disability Cycle" was also published in January.

For those individuals or organisations who choose not to register for their Bikeability accreditation, National Standard Certificates (as shown below) are available from the CTC instead., for an order form, click here ..

LEVEL 1: This is usually covered in a traffic free environment. Those completing Level 1 will be able to demonstrate the skills and understanding to be able to make a trip and undertake activities safely in a motor traffic free environment and as a pre-requisite to a road trip.

LEVEL 2: This is covered on quiet roads but with real traffic conditions. Those completing Level 2 will be able to demonstrate the skills and understanding to be able to make a trip safely to school, work or leisure on quiet roads.

LEVEL 3: This is covered on busy roads incorporating real traffic conditions and advanced road features. Those completing Level 3 will be able demonstrate the skills and understanding to make a trip safely to school or work etc on busy roads using complex junctions and road features.