RBC Cycle Training Scheme

Cycle training is promoted in Primary and Secondary Schools for pupils aged 10 years of age and over.

What are the aims of the course?

The aim of the scheme is to enable young people to cycle safely and to promote cycling by improving skills, knowledge, attitudes, behaviour and hazard awareness.

What skills can I expect to gain?

At the end of the training course trainees should:

• be able to recognise and anticipate potential hazards and to take appropriate action to avoid them
• looking and listening skills
• have developed perceptions of speed and distance
• have developed decision making and risk assessment skills
• be able to understand the issues involved in riding on the road, and how to cope with the road and traffic situations
• be able to understand the behaviour of other road users and how it affects them as cyclists
• be able to understand the benefits of protective equipment such as lights, reflectors, high-visibility clothing and helmets
• be able to understand the needs and vulnerability of pedestrians,especially on shared use facilities.

How many instructors are there per group?

The working ratio is 2 instructors to a group of 10 maximum trainees.

Where does the training take place?

The majority of training takes place on the public highway along approved road junctions.

How long will the training sessions last?

All courses will consist of a minimum of 8 hours' instruction.

Cycle Check

All trainees must have access to a cycle suitable for their size that is in a safe condition. All cycles will be checked at the start of the training course.

Cycle Helmets

The wearing of cycle helmets is encouraged and it is important that they are fitted and worn correctly.

Test

All trainees will be tested at the end of the training course. The test provides a target for which the trainees can aim. It enables an objective judgement to be made by an outside examiner.

What will I get and the end of the course?

Certificates and badges are awarded to trainees at the end of the course who have successfully completed the course and reached the required standards of cycling on the day of the test.

How are Volunteer Instructors recruited?

Volunteer instructors are recruited through schools from Teachers, Parents,and Police Officers and from local community groups.

All instructors will receive theory instruction and training and oncequalified will then receive training and will be supervised by a qualified instructor or examiner. All instructors will undergo a police check for criminal convictions in accordance with Department of Health Circular LAC 93(17)

What to do if you are interested?

It's already time to start preparing for cycle training. If your school is not currently involved in Reading's cycle training scheme perhaps now is the time for you to volunteer yourself or someone else, perhaps a colleague.

Training is very easy and painless. For further details and information contact the Road Safety Education team.