Safe Speed Forums

Cycling tests return to schools

The tests are carried out on the roads
Cycling proficiency tests are set to be re-introduced into schools in England.
Organisers say the Bikeability award scheme will give children a more realistic experience of coping with road conditions.

The launch in April follows a pilot project which involved more than 5,000 children in eight regions.

The government is putting £10m into children's cycling, which will pay for around half of all 10-year-olds to take the Bikeability course.

It is estimated that more than 90% of youngsters have never cycled to school.

Bikeability is run by Cycling England, a body set up by the government to encourage children and adults to cycle.

In the last 10 years the number of trips taken by bike is estimated to have fallen by on-fifth.

Unlike its predecessor the Cycling Proficiency Test, which generally took place in the school playground, many of the Bikeability tests are carried out on the roads.

Children are taught the kind of observation, road positioning and defensive driving tactics that new motorists learn.

Cycling England has said it hopes that within five years all school-leaving children will have passed the test.

In the pilot scheme, which involved Merseyside, Exeter, Essex, Cornwall, Manchester, Hertfordshire, the Isle of Wight, and Kingston, in London, nearly 10,000 badges were awarded.

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Speed limit sign radio interview. TV Snap Unhappy
“It has never been the rule in this country – I hope it never will be - that suspected criminal offences must automatically be the subject of prosecution” He added that there should be a prosecution: “wherever it appears that the offence or the circumstances of its commission is or are of such a character that a prosecution in respect thereof is required in the public interest”
This approach has been endorsed by Attorney General ever since 1951. CPS Code

I don't know how long it took for me to unlearn bad habbits picked up from cycle proficiency.

Bikeabilty is a lot more involved than the old Proficiency Test and our kids have completed this as part of the pilot scheme too.

They gained a lot from this course in terms of skill and confidence. I would say a very positive move and our kids are keen cyclists who are also not breeding out as - they are very enthusiastic about cars .. and er.. speed (But where appropriate of course )

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All I can say is that its about sodding time.

You were taught the rules of the road. hopefully you were taught the basics of where to ride, where not to ride where to look. How to read the road conditions. If you have a foundation you can then improve on it or relax your attitude to it. there might be a time when you are in a pressured situation and revert to it. But these kids arn't taught a bean! Unbeleivable!

You would be the first to complain if I gave every 16 year old a car and told them to teach themselves!

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Speed limit sign radio interview. TV Snap Unhappy
“It has never been the rule in this country – I hope it never will be - that suspected criminal offences must automatically be the subject of prosecution” He added that there should be a prosecution: “wherever it appears that the offence or the circumstances of its commission is or are of such a character that a prosecution in respect thereof is required in the public interest”
This approach has been endorsed by Attorney General ever since 1951. CPS Code