Cycle training

Bikeability

Bikeability is the cycling proficiency for the 21st century, designed to give the next generation the skills and confidence to ride their bikes on today's roads. There are three Bikeability levels and children will be encouraged and inspired to achieve all three levels, recognising that there is always more to learn and to enjoy on a bike.

All year 6 and some year 5 children attending Portsmouth schools that encourage cycling as a means of transport to and from school will be offered free places on the course (up to level 2) that we aim to deliver during the school day. We have the capacity and funding to train every year 6 in the city this academic year.

Pedal Power - Under 10s

An educational training DVD and fun cycling obstacle course for the playground are available for schools to borrow. Email roadsafety@portsmouthcc.gov.uk to make a booking.

Adult city cycle skills

Haven't ridden a bike for a while? Need a confidence boost or just some extra practice? We are running adult cycle training in small groups, if you are interested please call 023 9268 8262 or email travel@portsmouthcc.gov.uk for more details

Cycle products

We are constantly working with the Police to raise the awareness of visibility for cyclists – especially during the winter months. It is a requirement of the Highway Code that cyclists must have a working front and rear light during the hours of darkness, as well as a rear reflector and pedal reflectors fitted to the bike.

There is a high population of students in the city, and an increasing number of these coming from overseas. This, alongside a high number of cyclists who do not drive (and therefore do not know how difficult it is to spot cyclists) means that getting the message across that lights are required is an ongoing process.

The council has various cycle products for sale (all at low or cost price) which are available for anyone to come and buy from the Civic Offices main reception. You can have a look at the products before you buy so you can be sure that items like helmets are a good fit. A full list of the products is attached below. 

Cycle maintenance

Make sure that your bike is the correct size for comfort and safety

• Reflectors and lights - are they fitted and working? It's against the law to ride a bike without reflectors (and lights after dark) so remember to keep them clean

• Are your tyres inflated properly? Do they have good tread?

• Ensure the chain is oiled and properly adjusted

• Check your brakes - are the brake pads worn? Do they work?

For more information cycling around Portsmouth email travel@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call 023 9283 4092

Polite cycling

If you ride a bike, give yourself a pat on the back for being green, healthy and reducing traffic congestion. But please make sure you stay off the pavement, obey traffic rules and use shared paths considerately. Not all cyclists realise how much they can frighten people walking on the path, especially older people. All of us – drivers and pedestrians too – need to be more polite to one another in a busy city.

We’ve developed a range of fliers, postcards and badges to remind people who use bikes in the city to ride politely and safely. The leaflets and postcards have several themes including; staying safe, using roundabouts, large vehicles, locking your bike, sharing space, bike lights, stopping at crossings, commuting to work, top cycling tips, claiming space on the road rather than the pavement, and keeping clear of parked cars.

The leaflets and postcards are available as PDFs to download or can be obtained from travel@portsmouthcc.gov.uk . Feel free to print some off and put them up where you work, at school, college or University or the local community centre or library anywhere else you feel is appropriate or useful.

Associated documents: