National Standard Cycle Training

What is the National Standard?

The National Standard for Cycle Training is a three tier training scheme to teach you how to cycle safety and confidently on the road with respect for other road users.

There are currently six instructors in Northern Ireland who can offer this National Standard of cycle training. Each instructor is registered with the CTC and you can visit their website to locate an instructor in your area.

Girl on bike (on road)

The three tiers to the course are as follows:-

  • Level 1 - conducted in a controlled environment away from roads and traffic. Cyclists are usually trained in groups of 3-12 riders, although individual training may be available. Provides the basic cycle control skills including, starting and pedaling, stopping, manoeuvring, signaling and using the gears.
  • Level 2 - On-road training for those who have completed Level 1 and are ready to progress; it gives real cycling experience and makes trainees feel safer and capable of dealing with traffic on short commuting journeys or when cycling to school. Training is mainly in small groups over a number of sessions.
  • Level 3 - develops the basic skills and trains riders to make journeys in a variety of traffic conditions competently, confidently and consistently. Cyclists reaching the Level 3 standard will be able to deal with all types of road conditions and more complex situations. The course covers dealing with hazards, making ‘on-the-move’ risk assessments and planning routes for safer cycling.

Click here for a more detailed overview of the lessons

Additional elements

There are extra curricula syllabus elements to the National Standard to enhance riders’ training depending on their personal needs. These topics are:

  • Cycling at night
  • Cycle security
  • Luggage and load carrying
  • Using your bike with public transport
  • Cycle organisations and forums

Cycle training is only an introduction to the pleasure, the freedom and the healthy lifestyle that cycling can bring. It is important that once training is complete you continue cycling to build up confidence and experience.