Cyclists

In Lancashire the number of cycle casualties reported to the police in 2005 totalled 353, of these, 112 (32%) were children less than 16 years of age. Information from hospital casualty departments suggest that there are many more casualties that do not get reported.

A recent study conducted by the Transport Research Laboratory suggests that training children to ride safely has a lasting positive effect on their cycling practice and knowledge of road safety.

Safer Cyclists

'Passport to Safer Cycling' has been developed in accordance with the findings of this research and the RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) Good Practice Guidelines. It is modular based and provides training that is progressive:

The scheme is designed to enable young cyclists to develop a greater understanding of road usage and to ride with an improved degree of safety, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.

Aims:

To encourage and develop safe cycling.
To enable trainees to consider their personal safety and develop a positive attitude towards other road users.

Objectives:

To increase young cyclists knowledge and understanding of the road and traffic environment
Understand the difference between riding and playing on cycles
Understand why and how road users communicate.
To understand and apply the rules included in 'Arrive Alive', A Highway Code for Young Road Users.
Develop observation skills that will enable young cyclists to recognise potential hazards and to take appropriate action to avoid them.
Be able to ride their cycle under full control including starting, stopping, signaling and turning.
Know how to identify faults on a cycle and the need to keep it maintained in a safe condition
Understand the benefits of protective equipment such as cycle helmets, lights, reflectors and high visibility clothing.

For information about Approved Trainers and Assistant Trainers click here.

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