Road safety - cycling proficiency
National Standard Cycle Training
Central Bedfordshire Council is committed to sustainable travel and modal change to healthier and greener transport for everyone travelling around Bedfordshire and beyond.
As part of this commitment the council supports the National Standard Cycling training scheme known as Bikeability, which is also endorsed by RoSPA, the Department for Transport, Road Safety GB and most major cycling organisations.
In 2007 522 pedal cyclists under 16 years of age were killed or seriously injured in the UK, and the reduction of these life changing events is one of the target areas for which Central Bedfordshire road safety teams are tackling. To ensure that all cyclists and young cyclists in particular, are able to enter our roads with knowledge and confidence the currently preferred training scheme is Bikeability.
Bikeability
To be safe on our roads cyclists need the skills to cycle on all types of routes, in all types or traffic conditions, and Bikeability sets out to give people these necessary skills. There are three levels available within the Bikeability training programme:
Level 1: Level one offers basic cycling handling skills, in a controlled environment away from the road.
Level 2: Level two is taught on-road and teaches children to cycle planned routes on local roads, offering real cycling experience.
Level 3: Level three will ensure that cyclists can ride safely and competently in all traffic conditions.
The courses are enjoyable, educational and set the scene for a life time skill.
In Central Bedfordshire Bikeability is delivered in schools to young cyclists who have reached the age of 10+, and currently a partnership exists between Central Bedfordshire Council, Bedford Borough Council and the Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service to ensure that all young people have a chance to obtain this vital skill. As well as teaching young riders to be safe cyclists Bikeability aims to develop these young people to become responsible road users for the future. Part of the teaching affirms the safe practices of cycle helmet wearing and the use of bright or reflective clothing as good safety standards.
How much does the training cost?
A grant is currently available which allows the council top offer the training for £15 instead of the full cost of £55 per person.
Does the cyclist need to bring their own bicycle?
Yes. It is also very important that the bicycle is in a roadworthy condition, because training takes place on the road where you will be mixing with traffic in a controlled manner. Any bicycle considered to be un-roadworthy will not be allowed to be used on the training course. Ahead of the training course parents are given guidance on how top carry our bicycle safety checks.
Do I need to wear a helmet?
Yes. Wearing a helmet is recommended for all cyclists, but it is especially important for young people. Younger people often have less control over their movements on a bicycle and are more likely to make errors of judgement. If involved in a traffic collision a helmet can dramatically reduce the risk of severe head injury.
Is it safe for the trainees to go on the road?
It is necessary for trainees to ride on the road because the purpose of the training is to help them to be safer when they decide to use the roads, and an artificial situation does not represent that reality. We do take measures to increase safety during training by ensuring:
— All instructors are fully trained to deliver National Standards Training
— All trainees and instructors wear Hi-Visibility waistcoats
— All training sites are assessed for risks by the road safety staff
What else does the training provide?
A vital part of the training is the pre-course parent/student pack. We provide this about three weeks before the training starts. All trainees are expected to read "Arrive Alive" the highway code for young road users, which is supplied, and to complete a highway code test sheet before they attend the course-ideally with the support of their parents.
To get involved in Bikeability training, contact your school cycle training coordinator or you can obtain information by calling the Central Bedfordshire Road Risk Team on 0300 3008000, or alternatively Victoria Allen, Youth Development Officer Fire & Rescue Service on 01234 351081 ext 553.