Child cyclist training

Road user training needs to begin at a young age, so that safety skills can be established which last a life time.

The concern for child safety, along with the Government’s 2010 target of a 50 per cent reduction in the number of children killed or injured compared with the 1994-1998 average, prompts the need for practical based training.

Derbyshire schools are encouraged to provide cyclist training for their Year 6 children.

The six to eight hour training course includes on-road training and helps to develop observation and manoeuvrability skills along with teaching children the Highway Code, basic cycle maintenance and hazard perception.

The children's skills are assessed continuously throughout the training scheme, rather than during a formal test at the end of the course.

The programme complies with the guidelines issued by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) ensuring that the service given to both children and volunteers is of the highest professional quality.

The demand for cycling is growing and there is a constant need for more volunteers to run courses.

Cycle training is immensely rewarding work and can make a real difference in children’s lives in terms of their personal safety and encouraging a healthy alternative means of transport.

Instructor training courses are held at various locations across the county where volunteer instructors are provided with full training and resources from us, to ensure they are entirely supported throughout the process.

Due to the nature of the work all new instructors are required to undergo a check through the Criminal Records Bureau before any training of children can take place.

For details of forthcoming instructor training courses or to register your interest in becoming a volunteer see the menu bar on the left or contact us on:

Tel: 01629 580000 ext 7064
email: roadsafety@derbyshire.gov.uk

Benefits of cycle training

Develops observation skills that enable young cyclists to recognize hazards and therefore avoid potential harm.
Young cyclists learn to ride their bike under full control including starting, stopping, signalling and turning.
Increases knowledge and understanding of the road and other road users.
Training emphasises the benefit of protective equipment such as helmets, lights and reflective clothing.
Cycling is a healthy alternative means of transport.
Reduced car use and pollution.