Frequently Asked Questions
What age can children start lessons?
Ideally from age 4+, however the child should show some eagerness to learn and be able to follow simple instructions.
Do you teach adults?
Yes! Whether you’re learning for the first time or after a long time, wanting to build confidence on roads, shared pathways, lessons are tailored to your goals. Check out our Cyclestudents, Cyclelife or Cycleworks programmes (embed link to each programme)
Do you support nervous riders?
Absolutely. Who isn’t nervous trying something new or learning new skills.
Lessons are patient, friendly adapted to each rider’s confidence, experience and learning style. No need to feel embarrassed, nervous or shy. Parents, guardians, friends or family are encouraged to cheer you on. Remember every cyclist starts at the same place.
Do you support children and young people with SEND?
Yes absolutely. Cyclebees welcome children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Lessons are tailored to each rider’s individual needs, communication style, confidence and learning pace using a patient, person centred approach.
Please note that Cyclebees does NOT provide adapted or specialist cycles, if you are unsure whether our lessons are suitable, please get in touch – we’ll be happy to advise.
Am I too old to learn?
No, you can never be too old to learn. Whatever your number we’ll get you cycling, whether you want to improve fitness, ease an underlying health condition, commuting for work, new hobby for retirement, socialising or for holiday ventures.
Do I need to wear a helmet?
Yes please! Safety is our #1 priority and strongly recommend wearing a correctly fitted helmet. Learning a new skill such as cycling comes with an element of risk. We want riders to be comfortable and safety aware, no matter what age.
We recognise that some riders may be unable to wear a helmet due to medical, religious or other legitimate reasons. In these circumstances, please discuss with the instructor at point of booking.
Do you provide bikes & helmets?
We recommend using riders use their own cycle/helmet for lessons. Consider borrowing from family or friends or purchase a pre-loved bicycle to get you started. Check out your local social enterprise, Facebook Marketplace, Freecycle or Gumtree. Don’t forget seats can be adjusted easily so your feet can comfortably touch the ground.
Cyclebees is a FOMO free-zone (Fear of Missing Out). Need help or advice? Then get in touch info@cyclebees.co.uk.
Can I bring others to learn alongside?
For very young children learning to ride one to one ideally works best, ensuring full attention from the instructor is given for the duration.
For older children and adults, it can be fun and confidence boosting to learn alongside a sibling, family member or friend. This can be arranged on request.
However, get in touch – we’ll be happy to advise. info@cyclebees.co.uk
Can I use an e-bike?
Yes! E-bikes are so beneficial if used in the right way. Helping people to explore more, manage longer distances and tackle hills whilst pedalling and staying active. Don’t let anyone tell you it’s cheating! E-bikes are pedal assist – not motorbikes.
What skills do you teach?
Learn to ride without stabilisers
Starting, stopping and balance
Braking and steering
Cornering and gears
Road awareness and positioning
Communication
Understanding the Highway Code NI for cyclists
Shared pathway etiquette
Basic bike care and maintenance skills
Advice on clothing, accessories, toolkit, security and safety
Building confidence for everyday journeys and commuting
Practical sustainable travel solutions and journey planning
And much more!
How long is each lesson?
Lesson duration can vary, dependent on individual goals age and ability. However, beginners’ lessons are maximum 60 minutes (first lesson) then 45 minutes per lesson thereafter.
Cycle training for Level 1, 2 and 3 sessions can take up to 2 hours to complete each level (this varies based on participant to instructor ratio)
The instructor can also build bespoke sessions on request ie: refresher training.
How many lessons will be needed?
Every rider is different.
Some children/adults can be riding independently after one lesson; however this is just the beginning. To build confidence and develop competency skills we recommend a minimum of three lessons combined with ‘at-home’ practice between lessons.
No need to block book, just arrange as you progress. Your instructor will keep you right.
Can Cyclebees support my community group, school, college, university, club, organisation or workplace?
Cycling is a life skill which helps to support healthier lifestyles, sustainable active travel and safer journeys. Whether you’re a community group, organisation, club, society, workplace, school, university or college, cycle training helps people develop the confidence and skills to ride safely and independently for life – no matter what stage of life.
With a wide range of adaptable programmes Cyclebees can tailor activities, events and training packages just for you. Choose from Cyclekids, Cyclestudents, Cyclelife or Cycleworks.
Get in touch and let us develop a training programme that meets your goals. info@cyclebees.co.uk
Where do lessons take place?
Lessons are delivered at suitable public locations across Belfast and surrounding areas. Location is agreed on booking.
Lessons can also be arranged to take place at your community group, workplace, school, organisation etc ie car park, community hall, school hall. We will discuss your needs, assess facilities for suitability and prepare a full risk assessment before training day.
What should I bring?
Roadworthy bike (inflated tyres, working front and rear brakes, suitable tool to adjust seat)
Correctly fitted helmet
Comfortable clothing suitable for weather conditions
Closed-toe shoes/trainers
Water/snack
The instructor will carry out a complimentary safety check at the first lesson to ensure fitness. The instructor is an accredited VeloTech mechanic and has the ability to make small adjustments to seat, brakes, tyres etc however should the bike be deemed unsuitable or unsafe for the rider then the lesson will be cancelled, and no refund will be offered.
What happens if it rains?
It doesn’t always rain in Northern Ireland. If it does rain, please be prepared, i.e: rain jacket. Only in the event of a NI Met Office yellow/red weather warning (wind/heat/cold) will the lesson be rescheduled at no extra cost.