Bikeability Is cycle proficiency for the 21st Century. Teaches cyclists to ride with traffic, preparing people for real life situations. There are three Bikeability levels, each designed to improve cycling skills, Levels 1, 2 and 3 take trainees from the basics of balance and control, all the way to planning and making an independent journey on busier roads.

Bikeability training is delivered at most Primary schools for children ages 9 to 11, and some secondary schools.

Contact your local authority to find out how to access Bikeability in your area.
Demonstrations of a full range of manoeuvres following Bikeability training guidance can be found here

Top Tips - HGV Saftey

Cycling Do's

Make eye contact with drivers. A driver is less likely to collide with a cyclist if they have seen them.

Be Visible Use lights and hi visibility clothing in poor visibility conditions.

Gloves are a handy addition for cycling, they help to keep your fingers warm, provide padding against numb hands on longer journeys, and provide a layer of protection.

Plan Ahead, be aware of what other road users may do.

Wear stiff soled shoes, they provide a strong pedaling platform and make cycling easier.

Signal to other road users so they know what you plan to do

Wear a helmet

There are a number of cycle maintenance courses provided by the active travel hubs across the Tees Valley, or watch some of the videos below for some basic tips. If in doubt, visit a professional.

Top tips

• Keep tyres inflated at the recommended pressure (noted on the side of your tyre) this will make cycling easier and reduce your risk of getting a puncture.
• Always carry a spare inner tube, pump and tyre levers, replacing a tube is quicker than fixing at the side of the road. You can repair your punctured tube later.
• Invest in a multi tool, including allen keys and screw drivers. Most tweaks on bikes can be remedied simply.
• Invest in a chain checking tool. When your chain reaches 0.75, change it! Worn chains damage your remaining drivetrain (cassette/chain rings), which will mean that they will quickly need replacing. A small investment in a new chain will prolong the life of the rest of your equipment. See this weblink for how to use a chain checker.
• Make sure that your cable ends are not frayed by investing in crimps to hold the strands together. This will not only prolong the life of your cable, but prevent you from injuring yourself on loose strands. They can be very sharp!
• Invest in the best quality tools you can afford to undertake your own maintenance.

What type of bike suits your riding?

The amount of variations and choices when choosing a bike can be a minefield. Visit your local bike shop for advice on the best kind of bike for your riding. Below is a brief overview of the main styles of bike and what they are suited toward.

Hybrid Bikes Combining the large wheels and lighter build of a road bike with the comfort and more durable qualities of a Mountain bike, hybrids are a good all-rounder. Suits: Commuting, good all-rounder

Road Bikes Lightweight and large skinny wheels with smooth tyres makes for a quick bike, capable of traveling long distances. Road bikes dont cope well with uneven surfaces, and are therefore only really suitable for cycling on roads. Suits: Long distance road riding, sport cycling, commuting by tarmac/smooth surfaces

Folding Bikes are easily transported and stored making them ideal for taking on public transport, or putting in a car to create multi modal journeys. Ideal for conducting short journeys quickly in urban environments Suits: Commuting

Mountain Bikes Durable build, smaller stronger wheels and knobbly tyres capable of tackling off road conditions that a road bike would struggle with, using suspension to tackle more rugged terrain in many models. Can be used on road, but requires more effort to power them, although they are typically more comfortable than road bikes. Suits: Off road riding, Recreational cycling, commuting by uneven surfaces.

Bike to Work Scheme

Your employer may be able to offer cycle to work schemes, which assist you to purchase a bike to travel to work by reducing the cost and spreading the payments over a set period. Speak to your Human Resources department to find out if this exists at your work place?

Top Tips

Always carry a waterproof jacket.

Rain water will get you wet, but water from the roads is usually dirty too, fitting mud guards will stop you getting dirty as well as wet allowing you to commute in wet weather. More people tend to drive when it rains, meaning more cars on the road and more chances of getting stuck in traffic jams.

Use a good quality lock(s) and always lock your bike when unattended. Secure your bike to a fixed object, via the frame and wheels and remove quick release items that could easily be stolen. As a guide, spend approximately 10% the value of your bike on a lock, and use provided cycle parking facilities in plain view. Where possible, it is advised that you use cycle parking facilities such as Middlesbrough Cycle Centre or Stockton Hub. How to properly lock your bike