The aim of the Cycle Skills Training Programme is to increase the bike-riding competency of children, young people, and adults.
The training is based on a national cycle education program, BikeReady, which incorporates cycle skills training to make bike riding safer and more fun from childhood onwards.
BikeReady has been developed by Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC).
The delivery of Cycle skills training in the Whangarei District is funded by the Whangarei District Council (WDC) and Waka Kotahi. The programme is delivered through a partnership between Bike & Hike Northland and Sport Northland and is free to schools and all participants.
Up to 30 June 2026, in Northland we have run 2,168 courses involving 84 schools and 21,000 riders.
Cycle Skills Training courses are available for adults and community groups as well as schools. If you would like to arrange a session for your group or community please get in touch.
Cycle skills training in schools helps teachers to support student learning in two ways:
Get easy access to bike skills training by professional instructors
Use curriculum resources in the classroom.
Participation in cycle skills adds an authentic context for learning. Teachers and students can explore well-being (hauora), empathy, the transport system, and active citizenship. The programme aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum, physical activity guidelines, and the National Administration Guidelines.
There are many benefits to riding a bike. Trainees participating in the programme will:
We offer two levels of training in schools for students between years 5-8.
Grade 1 usually takes between 2 and 5 hours in a non-traffic environment such as the school grounds or similar open spaces such as netball courts. Grade 1 is aimed at students aged 8 and over (we focus on Year 5+ in Northland). The required skills are taught through a combination of fun drills and games.
Core skills covered in Grade 1
Grade 2 training takes up to 7-8 hours to complete. Training will take place initially in the school grounds and then move on to quiet streets near the school or open areas. Grade 2 is aimed at students aged 10 and over (Year 6+). We encourage teachers to join us on the roads if they are able to.
Core skills covered in Grade 2
Bike & Hike Northland is able to provide bikes and helmets to all participants for the duration of the course if required. This ensures everyone has access to a safe suitable bike for the training.
Cycle skills training is also available for workplaces and adults. With the rapid uptake of e-bikes and increasing awareness of the environmental and health benefits of commuting by bike, there are more people riding bikes. It is important for your own safety and that of other road users to understand the rules of riding on the road and have the skills to feel confident and competent riding your bike.
If you would like to organised a training session for your riding group or workplace please get in touch with us using the button below.
For more information about the programme, visit bikeready.govt.nz.
