Frequently asked questions
WHERE ARE LESSONS HELD?
Learn to ride lessons take place in a previously risk assessed location in Bracknell or Ascot. Bikeability level 2 & 3 locations are more flexible and will be agreed on an individual basis.
CAN YOU COME TO MY HOUSE?
Learn to ride lessons need to take place in a traffic free area and you will need to travel to Bracknell or Ascot. If there are suitable training locations nearby for Bikeability level 2 or 3, this may be an option.
HOW OLD DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BE?
- Learn to ride: 6 years and upwards
- Bikeability level 1: 7 years and upwards
- Bikeability level 2: 10 years and upwards
- Bikeability level 3: 12 years and upwards
WILL YOU TEACH MY 4-5 YEAR OLD?
Not all 4-5 year olds are ready to learn to ride, and they can take several lessons to develop their balance and control. Due to high demand and limited availability, I’m not able to offer lessons for younger children.
DO YOU OFFER LESSONS DURING THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS?
I’m only available outside of office hours, as I do already work full time.
HOW MANY LESSONS DOES IT USUALLY TAKE?
Bikeability has fixed durations according to the level and numbers of children. More information is available here.
For beginners learning to ride, most children learn in one or two lessons. Children with additional needs, or those that are very nervous may take slightly longer.
DO YOU OFFER GROUP OR SHARED LESSONS?
I’m happy to offer Bikeability to groups, or friends that would like to share a lesson. Learn to ride lessons are most successful on a 1:1 basis. Shared lessons are only available for siblings of a similar age, but all children are different and lesson time may need to be split if children are progressing at different rates.
MY CHILD HAS SPECIAL NEEDS - CAN YOU HELP?
I have lots of experience teaching children with SEND to cycle and I’m happy to help. Please contact me to discuss your child’s needs.
DOES MY CHILD NEED THEIR OWN BIKE AND HELMET?
I am not able to supply helmets, there please ensure your child has one which must be of the correct size and fit for purpose. Riders will not be able to proceed with the lesson without one. Bikes can be hired at a cost of £5 a lesson (subject to having the correctly fitting bike available). Bikes will be checked before a lesson, I will carry out minor repairs and adjustments, but the bike must be safe to ride, with two working lever operated brakes.
WHAT SIZE BIKE SHOULD MY CHILD BE RIDING?
In order to learn to ride, your child will need a bike that is small enough for them to be able to sit on the saddle with their feet flat on the ground with a slight bend in their knees. If their bike is too big, I will not be able to teach them and the lesson may still be chargeable. For Bikeability, bikes must be of the correct size, with the saddle at a height where the rider can reach the ground sitting on the saddle and on the balls of the feet.
WHAT SHOULD RIDERS WEAR?
Comfortable clothing for exercise. Please avoid jeans, slip on shoes or sandals.
HOW DO I BOOK?
Please send me a message via my Facebook page, or fill out my contact form. I can then check my diary and come back to you with my availability.
WHAT IF THE WEATHER IS POOR?
If it is unsafe to ride, lessons will need to be rescheduled. This would usually be in the event of thunderstorms, heavy rain, ice or snow. Lessons may go ahead if light rain showers are forecast, please dress appropriately.
CAN I CANCEL OR CHANGE MY BOOKING?
Please allow 72 hours notice to cancel or change bookings, otherwise these may be chargeable.