Bikeability
Cycling is a fun and healthy way for children to get about, and
it also gives them a degree of freedom and independence. But there
are safety issues which must be addressed if children are
to be safe on the road.
In 2008, 417 pedal cyclists aged under 16 were killed or
seriously injured - and although the trend year
on year is decreasing 1 death or serious injury is 1 too many .
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Bikeability
Bikeability is a National Standard for Cycle Training, which has
been designed by the leading experts in the field of road safety as
well as cycling.
The principal outcome of Bikeability is 'More people cycling more
often and more safely'.
Bikeability students are encouraged to learn interactively as
opposed to simply telling them what to do.
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The courses are designed to be both educational and enjoyable
with the emphasis on safety. Learning to cycle safely can make an
enormous contribution to some of society's biggest challenges, in
particular sustainable travel and health. Bikeability is one
activity among a number of projects developed to influence travel
choice.
Bikeability is designed to give cyclists the skills and confidence
to ride their bikes on today's roads. There are three levels:
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Level 1
Level one offers basic bike handling skills in a controlled
environment away from the roads.
Level 2
Level two is taught on-road and teaches children to cycle planned
routes on local familiar roads offering real cycling
experience.
Level 3
Level three will ensure cyclists can ride safely and competently in
all traffic conditions
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In Bedford Bikeability is delivered in middle schools to young
cyclists who have will reach the age of 10 (or older in that
academic year)Bedford Borough Council with support from
Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service deliver the training.
(Please contact your child's middle school in the
first instance to check if they are running courses and if not, ask
them to consider doing so) For young people who have not
been able to get trained through their middle school weekend
training is offered see Bilkeability Courses. (opens in a new
window)
As well as teaching young riders to be a safe cyclist,
Bikeability aims to develop children as responsible road users and
to help them understand how they can help to protect themselves on
the road by wearing a helmet and bright clothing.
How much does the training cost?
The actual charge is a decision for the individual
school. The true cost is not passed on to the school as the
Road Risk Advisory Team are able to access subsidies to keep
the costs to parents as low as possible
Do the cyclists need to bring their own
bicycles?
Yes. And it is very important that bikes are
roadworthy; training takes place on-road, mixing
with traffic under controlled conditions. Bikes considered
un-roadworthy will not be allowed to be
used on the training. Before the training starts, parents
are given guidance on how to carry out bike safety checks.
Do cyclists need to wear a helmet?
Yes. Wearing a helmet is recommended for all cyclists, but it is
especially important for children. Children often have less control
over their movements on a bike and are more likely to make errors
of judgement. If involved in an incedent a helmet can
dramatically reduce the risk of a head injury.
Is it safe for the trainees to go on the
road?
It is necessary for trainees to go on the road - the purpose of
the training is to help them be safer when cycling on the road. But
we take measures to increase safety during the training:
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all instructors are fully trained
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all trainees and instructors wear
hi-visibility waistcoats
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all training sites are risk assessed
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 the 'Arrive Alive' the Highway
Code for Young Road Users provided and to complete the Highway Code
test sheet also provided before they attend the course - ideally
with the support of parents.
To get involved in cycle training at your school contact
the school's Bikeability Co-ordinator or alternatively if
you would like further information on cycle training in Bedford
contact the Road Risk Advisory Team on 01234 228336 or the
Community Fire safety Team (North) Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and
Rescue Service
on 01234 845000
Visit the Bikeability web site: http://www.bikeability.org.uk/
Road Risk Advisory Team
(01234) 228336
Email road.safety@bedford.gov.uk