A bit of drizzle, a pack of Caramel Logs and lots of positivity – what to expect from a Bikeability Scotland Instructor course.
A damp February day in Wemyss Bay on the west of Scotland, and a group of teachers from three primary schools across Inverclyde gathered to take part in a Bikeability Scotland Instructor course.
The aim would be that – after seven hours practical training, and some additional theory – the people taking part would return to their schools equipped with the skills, confidence and knowledge ready to deliver on-road cycle training to pupils.
The course is free to access, and anyone with an interest in supporting young people to cycle is welcome to take part – teachers, assistants, parents and volunteers, and school staff from cooks to janitors! As a bonus, the qualification is also credit rated on the SCQF framework.
On this particular day, Jacqueline, Irene, Jennifer and Lisa were taking part, from schools in Gourock, Port Glasgow and Greenock. This was particularly positive as Inverclyde is an area where many young people don’t currently have access to on-road cycle training at school.
Aim of the day
The day kicked off with a reminder of the aim of the course: training people to have the skills and confidence to teach young people to make safer decisions when cycling on the road.
Participants learned about the ‘core skills’ – observation, road positioning, priorities and communicating that are essential for riding on roads – which they would be learning how to teach later in the day.
Ready for the road
Before heading outside, participants learnt how to instruct pupils how to check that their bikes, clothing, and helmets were safe.
Getting warmed up
First off, participants learnt how to get pupils moving and developing their cycle control skills to be ready for training, taking part in fun exercises in the playground: cycling in large circles, going through cones, practising their control by stopping in boxes, and moving in slalom to test their control.
Practical exercises
Armed with template lesson plans, the participants headed out onto the quiet residential streets for the main part of the course. The participants learnt how to explain and demonstrate to pupils, how to safely set-off on road, and develop the core skills through activities using left and right turns and passing parked cars and side roads.
It was great to see Irene, Jennifer, Lisa and Jacqueline throw themselves into this part of the day, growing in confidence to guide the other participants through the exercises, with lots of positive feedback and encouragement.
Back inside, with coffee and Caramel Logs, the participants reflected on the day and what they’d learnt:
I found the training day very enjoyable (despite the weather!)
It was informative with a good balance of theory, discussion and practical activities. It really helped prepare me for delivering Bikeability to my class and I can see how the activities are both fun and purposeful for the children.
I have deepened my understanding and appreciation for how important cycling skills are for children now and how they can help them in the future.
