For a participant to enroll in a Cycling Skills programme it costs: €7 or £7 includes:- Certificate, Insurance and Trained Cycling Skills Coach. The total cost may vary due to location, group numbers, and other costs for the coach.
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Balance Bike
Balance Bike programme focuses on the delivery to children aged 2 to 5 years of age, and new riders to cycling wanting to improve their balance.
Each session aims to develop the fundamental of balance – striding, scooting, and gliding.
Engaging riders through fun games and activities, while also teaching basic bike safety through spatial awareness and bike control.
For more information on the Balance Bike programme or to become a Balance Bike Coach, please email: programmes@cyclingireland.ie
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Cycling Skills
Cycling Skills programme (previously known as Sprocket Rocket) is an exciting programme for children and adults, for those new to the cycling who can already ride a bike. The aim of the programme is to increase the competence and confidence of riders.
Each session aims to develop the fundamental of cycling – balance, braking, cornering, and pedalling.
Learning new skills in a fun, safe and controlled environment!
For more information on the Cycling Skills programme or to become a Cycling Skills Coach, please email: programmes@cyclingireland.ie
FAQs
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How much is a Cycling Skills programme?
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Where does Cycling Skills programme take place?
The Cycling Skills programme takes place in an enclosed and safe environment, usually a playground, flat grass field or a basketball/tennis court. The coach ensures that this area is safe, by doing a risk assessment, and organises cones and props according to the session that is planned.
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How do I get Cycling Skills programme in my area?
The best way to get Cycling Skills programme in your area is to become a Cycling Skills Coach, contact a local cycling club or Local Sports Partnership to find out if Cycling Skills programmes are taking place near you.
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How do I become a Cycling Skills Coach?
The Cycling Skills Coach’s Course is a one-day course which is a mix of classroom work and practical outdoor experience. The course is open to anyone and while some cycling or coaching experience is helpful it is not essential. The cost is €60 or £50 Cycling Ireland Members / €70 or £60 Non-Cycling Ireland Members and after the course you are fully qualified to deliver the Cycling Skills programme.
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I have completed Cycling Skills, what next?
Once you have completed Cycling Skills you can join a Cycling Ireland club, if you are not already in one. Cycling Skills is designed so that it can function as a pathway into the sport, while also giving the clubs a tangible programme that they can use to help develop the riders in their clubs.
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TY Trail Cycling
Transition Year Trail Cycling programme is for 4th & 5th TY students to provide them with the opportunity to experience Trail Riding. TY Trail Cycling teaches students the fundamental skills of trail riding, by learning on a mix of tarmac and off-road terrain. The programme is in line with the aims of the senior cycle Physical Education framework.
It includes an introduction to basic bike maintenance, bike anatomy, the related Health and Performance components of fitness as well as opportunities to lead, coach, observe, participate in and design a variety of bike related activities.
For more information on the TY Trail Cycling programme or to become a TY Trail Cycling Instructor, please email: programmes@cyclingireland.ie
Gearing Up Off-Road
Gearing Up Off-Road programme focuses on the specific fundamental skills required for cycling in an off-road environment and is the first stage of development.
Learning new and exciting Mountain Bike Skills, some basic Bike Maintenance, and get a few Training Ideas in a fun environment, developing knowledge, and love of mountain biking.
For more information on the Gearing Up Off-Road programme or to become a Gearing Up Off-Road Instructor, please emails: programmes@cyclingireland.ie
Bike for Life
Bike for Life (also known as Women on Wheels) is designed for all cyclists, from the person who has just rediscovered their bike, to the more accomplished rider who wants to take on greater challenges by helping riders develop the knowledge, skills and fitness needed for confident cycling in a relaxed, safe, and social environment. Trained Bike for Life Leaders provide a flexible programme tailored to the needs of the rider. The focus of the programme is on learning and meeting new people, with the group cycle a prominent feature in the programme.
For more information on the Bike for Life programme or to become a Bike for Life Leader, please emails: programmes@cyclingireland.ie
FAQs
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What do I learn in Bike for Life?
In Bike for Life, you will learn a variety of skills related to cycling. The basic content can be seen below, with the level of learning depending on the start point of the rider.
1. Preparing for a Bike Ride: What to wear, what to bring.
2. Riding safely on the road: Basic road skills, advanced road skills, riding in the dark.
3. Riding as a group: Riding in pairs, riding as a group, group riding etiquette.
4. Using shared facilities: Riding in low volume traffic, riding in higher volume traffic.
5. Bike handling skills: Basic bike handling skills, advanced bike handling skills.
6. Nutrition & Hydration: Basic requirements, requirements for a cyclist.
7. Bike repair & maintenance: Basic bike maintenance.
8. Training for your cycling goals: Getting started, going further and cycling challenges
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How much is Bike for Life programme?
For participants to enroll in a Bike for Life Programme it costs €7 or £7 includes - Training Logbook, Bike for Life Cycling Buff, Insurance and Trained Bike Leader. The total cost may vary due to location, group numbers, and other costs for the leader. Contact your Bike for Life club or leader for details.
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What are the three levels in Bike for Life?
The three levels in Bike for Life are as follows:
Level One: A level one cyclist is someone who has a bike and wants to use it more. They may have bought it on the Bike to Work scheme but are a bit rusty in terms of their cycling skills. It is someone who might be using cycling for rehabilitation from an injury or illness, or someone who is nervous cycling on the road, and wants to learn the basic skills. The focus in this group is on building confidence and competence and introducing the concept of group cycles.
Level Two: A level two cyclist is someone who has reasonable fitness, and already uses the bike for commuting or leisure. They may already be able to cycle or exercise for up to an hour but want to take cycling a little bit more seriously. This cyclist will be interested in building up their ability to cycle for two hours or do a middle distance cycling challenge (e.g. 50km or 60km).
Level Three: A level three cyclist has already a good level of fitness, and perhaps wants to transfer their fitness to a new sport. They are interested in increasing their cycling knowledge and fitness, and the skills will be focused on competency in groups and skills at a faster pace (for example descending in a group or taking a drink at pace). This cyclist will be interested in doing some of the longer distance cycling challenges (e.g. 100km - 150km), or interested in racing.
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How do I know what Level I am?
At registration the Bike for Life Leader will give you a questionnaire to complete, which will establish what level you are at.
Bike for Life is designed in a matrix format, so while you may be a Level Three in terms of fitness, you may be Level One in terms of skills, the Bike for Life Leader will design the training programme according to where your start level of skill and ability is.
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How do I get a Bike for Life programme in my area?
The best way to get Bike for Life programme in your area is to become a Bike for Life Leader, contact a local cycling club or Local Sports Partnership to find out if Bike for Life programmes are taking place near you.
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How do I become a Bike for Life Leader?
To become a Bike for Life leader you must complete a one-day Ride Leader training course. This qualifies you to facilitate led rides for groups of cyclists. It will also allow you to run a Bike for Life programme at Level 1.The Ride Leader assessed course costs €50 or £40 Cycling Ireland Members / €60 or £50 Non-Cycling Ireland Members.
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I have completed Bike for Life, what next?
Once you have completed Bike for Life you can either progress to the next level in the programme, or you can join a Cycling Ireland club, if you are not already in one.
Bike for Life is designed so that it can function as a pathway into the sport, while also giving the clubs a tangible programme that they can use to help develop the riders in their clubs.