Free cycle training for schools Click to get info
All schools within Waltham Forest are entitled to free Bikeability courses for children in Year 5 or 6 and above.
- Level 1 is playground-based and covers basic cycle handling skills and balance,
- Level 2 allows children to experience real traffic on quieter roads and cycle lanes, perhaps including the journey to school,
- Level 3 allows children in Year 7 and above to learn new skills to tackle more challenging roads and traffic.
If your school would like to book cycle training please email cycling@walthamforest.gov.uk. If your child’s school is not currently offering cycle training please do encourage them to contact us to book this in.
Free cycle training for adults Click to get info
We offer free cycle training for adults who live, work or study in Waltham Forest.
Whether you are a novice, returning to cycling after a break, or an experienced rider wanting to expand your knowledge of the local area, our training partners can help you.
We offer all levels of training including:
- one-to-one, or group, sessions with an experienced cycle leader, seven days a week, at a location to suit you
- for new commuters, we'll work with you to identify a safe convenient route for you to cycle between home and work
If you don't have your own bicycle, we have a limited number of loan bicycles, subject to availability.
For more details, visit Cycle Confident, our cycle training provider's website, or call them on 0203 031 6730.
Cycle awareness training for drivers Click to get info
The Council offers free Safer Urban Driving training; this course has been designed for HGV (Heavy Good Vehicles) drivers to promote the safety and sharing of roads with vulnerable road users, with a focus on cyclists. Drivers participating in this course counts towards The Freight Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS)
All of the Council’s contractors drivers have participated in this course. If your company is interested in delivering this training please contact: roadsafety@walthamforest.gov.uk
Walking and Cycling Safely Click to get info
When crossing the road, try to use the safest place such as:
- Zebra Crossings
- Toucan Crossings
- Traffic Lights
Be aware of other road users at all times – remember HGV (Heavy Good Vehicles) have blind spots where you cannot always be seen, be aware of buses pulling in and out at bus stops and be alert as you cannot predict what other road users are going to do.
Keep up to date with your knowledge of the Highway Code and follow its advice.
Dr Bikes: Cycle Safety
The Council offers FREE Dr Bike sessions where experienced mechanics can check everything on your bike from wheels, brakes, gears and tyre pressure to lights, racks, pedals, saddles and more. Any minor adjustments they can make to the bike they do there and then. Anything they can't fix on site they will let you know exactly what needs doing and a rough guide to what it should cost at a bike shop.
Dr Bikes take place across the borough, find out more about Dr Bike.
Road Safety at Night Click to get info
At night your bicycle must have a working:
- White front light
- Red rear light
- Red reflector
Check them regularly to make sure they’re clean and working.
Be Bright, Be Seen
It’s difficult to see someone who is wearing darker clothing when the weather is wet and grey. It’s important to make yourself more visible to other road users during the darker days and at night. When its dark fluorescent colours are less effective, but white or light colours are easier to spot. Reflective material is most effective when it’s dark, as it reflects the light from vehicle headlights or streetlights.
Resources Click to get info
- Bikeability parent’s handbook – advice on cycling with children
- THINK! education resources
- Zebras
- Road Safety GB
- London Road Safety Council
- Cycle Confident – activities for children
- Highway Code
If you would like any further information or advice on Road Safety in Waltham Forest, please contact roadsafety@walthamforest.gov.uk