Bikeability

Tom Crispin said:

Bikeability is the replacement for the Cycle Profienency Test.

[...]

Quoted message said:

The National Launch is 1 April 2007.

From http://www.bikeability.org.uk/

"We're testing Bikeability in a few lucky areas over the coming months.
But in March 2007, Bikeability will be rolled out across England. So get
ready because Bikeability is coming to your town soon!"

Good to see that they are almost on schedule, but are there plans to
roll it out to Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland?

--
Don Whybrow

Sequi Bonum Non Time

Evolution is a harsh mistress.

"Tom Crispin" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Bikeability is the replacement for the Cycle Profienency Test.

Does it include an NVQ in spelling?

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Don Whybrow said:

Tom Crispin said:

Bikeability is the replacement for the Cycle Profienency Test.

[...]

Quoted message said:

The National Launch is 1 April 2007.

From http://www.bikeability.org.uk/

"We're testing Bikeability in a few lucky areas over the coming months.
But in March 2007, Bikeability will be rolled out across England. So get
ready because Bikeability is coming to your town soon!"

Good to see that they are almost on schedule, but are there plans to
roll it out to Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland?

With the federal system we now have for transport policy, Scotland,
Wales, NI and London make their own policy decisions. London has
chosen to adopt bikeability, I expect Scotland, Wales and NI are free
to do so if they wish.

On 19 Mar, 19:00, Tom Crispin <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Bikeability is the replacement for the Cycle Profienency Test.

It has the overall aim: "More people cycling more often and more
safely."

It has three stages:

LEVEL 1 - Basic bike handling skills
This is conducted in a controlled environment away from roads and
traffic. Cyclists are usually trained in groups of 3-12 riders,
although individual training can be made available. It provides the
basic cycle control skills including, starting and pedaling, stopping,
maneuvering, signaling and using the gears.

LEVEL 2 - Safe cycling on minor roads and specific journeys
On-road training for those who have completed Level 1 and are ready to
progress; it gives real cycling experience and makes trainees feel
safer and capable of dealing with traffic on short commuting journeys
or when cycling to school. Training is mainly in small groups over a
number of sessions.

LEVEL 3 - Competence for all cycling trips
This level trains riders to make journeys in a variety of traffic
conditions competently, confidently and consistently. Cyclists
reaching the Level 3 standard will be able to deal with all types of
road conditions and more complex situations. The course covers dealing
with hazards, making 'on-the-move' risk assessments and planning
routes for safer cycling.

The National Launch is 1 April 2007.

The course I hope to have accreditied can be found at:http://www.johnballcycling.org.uk/lessons/course.doc
(3.5 Mb Word download)

I like the sound of it. Anything to get more people on bikes is a good
thing. Will be interesting to see how well it works.

<[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

On 19 Mar, 19:00, Tom Crispin <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Bikeability is the replacement for the Cycle Profienency Test.

It has the overall aim: "More people cycling more often and more
safely."

It has three stages:

LEVEL 1 - Basic bike handling skills
This is conducted in a controlled environment away from roads and
traffic. Cyclists are usually trained in groups of 3-12 riders,
although individual training can be made available. It provides the
basic cycle control skills including, starting and pedaling, stopping,
maneuvering, signaling and using the gears.

LEVEL 2 - Safe cycling on minor roads and specific journeys
On-road training for those who have completed Level 1 and are ready to
progress; it gives real cycling experience and makes trainees feel
safer and capable of dealing with traffic on short commuting journeys
or when cycling to school. Training is mainly in small groups over a
number of sessions.

LEVEL 3 - Competence for all cycling trips
This level trains riders to make journeys in a variety of traffic
conditions competently, confidently and consistently. Cyclists
reaching the Level 3 standard will be able to deal with all types of
road conditions and more complex situations. The course covers dealing
with hazards, making 'on-the-move' risk assessments and planning
routes for safer cycling.

The National Launch is 1 April 2007.

The course I hope to have accreditied can be found

at:http://www.johnballcycling.org.uk/lessons/course.doc

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

(3.5 Mb Word download)

I like the sound of it. Anything to get more people on bikes is a good
thing. Will be interesting to see how well it works.

I would agree - but like with anything else it will be down to areas.

Around here the "Cycle Training Scheme" as far as I know was/is not the same
as some other places so there seemed to be some local variations to the old
Cycling Proficiency Training that was National.

Then again it came down to schools too. Many schools do not offer it full
stop, others do in varying degrees and standards.

I know one kid who did all the training and as there was only one teacher at
the school who did it who was ill at the end of term they didn't get to take
the test and get the badge and certs. The school never considered to lethem
do it later or get someone else to test them. It was unfortunate and they
had missed their slot.

Lets hope the new way goes a bit better.

Dave

Tom Crispin said:

Bikeability is the replacement for the Cycle Profienency Test.

It has the overall aim: "More people cycling more often and more
safely."

It has three stages:

LEVEL 1 - Basic bike handling skills
This is conducted in a controlled environment away from roads and
traffic. Cyclists are usually trained in groups of 3-12 riders,
although individual training can be made available. It provides the
basic cycle control skills including, starting and pedaling, stopping,
maneuvering, signaling and using the gears.

LEVEL 2 - Safe cycling on minor roads and specific journeys
On-road training for those who have completed Level 1 and are ready to
progress; it gives real cycling experience and makes trainees feel
safer and capable of dealing with traffic on short commuting journeys
or when cycling to school. Training is mainly in small groups over a
number of sessions.

I assume that this will be introduced into the school system for the schools
that run schemes, my eldest daughter has just been accepted at a grammar school
that has a cycle scheme, it will be interesting to hear her experiences on
the cycling, she wants to use the trike for the cycle course but I imagine the
school will not like that, I expect she will have to take her old upwrong.
--
Three wheels good, two wheels ok

www.catrike.co.uk

Quoted message said:

Buck wrote:
I assume that this will be introduced into the school system for the
schools
that run schemes, my eldest daughter has just been accepted at a grammar
school
that has a cycle scheme, it will be interesting to hear her experiences on
the cycling, she wants to use the trike for the cycle course but I
imagine the
school will not like that, I expect she will have to take her old upwrong.

That's interesting. The school where I'm a governor have been pushing me
toward taking some simple classes to get kids toward being able to ride
their commute (quiet rural roads in the main) to/from school safely.

I was wondering what to do about anyone turning up with recumbents or
trikes. I guess I'd be happy to accept roadies as well as full-suss
MTB's, so the same argument probably applies. The more the merrier!

Chris

Chris Smith said:

I was wondering what to do about anyone turning up with recumbents or
trikes. I guess I'd be happy to accept roadies as well as full-suss
MTB's, so the same argument probably applies. The more the merrier!

Cycles are cycles are cycles, and the same stuff largely applies to
riding trikes and 'bents as anything else.

When I was doing my trainer's training I used the Brom and the 'bent.
On the "gearing" day I had the Brom with me, and the instructors had me
borrow a derailleur machine so I could demonstrate I could pass on
knowledge suitably about derailleurs, but aside from that there weren't
any issues.

With trikes you need to know to account for the steering differences,
especially with uprights, but aside from that the same rules apply and
what works as good roadcraft is equally applicable as to a "normal" bike.

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

Peter Clinch said:

When I was doing my trainer's training I used the Brom and the 'bent. On
the "gearing" day I had the Brom with me, and the instructors had me
borrow a derailleur machine so I could demonstrate I could pass on
knowledge suitably about derailleurs, but aside from that there weren't
any issues.

The nearer the frame the easier it is.

I met someone on the London to Brighton who was very pleased when I told
her how to select gears to go up a hill.
There genuinely is a whole generation of people out there who have never
been taught how to ride a bike.
Also bring in the people who have the saddle set far too low - because
they set off on the bike by placing both feet on the ground and sitting
on the saddle.

Peter Clinch said:

Chris Smith said:

I was wondering what to do about anyone turning up with recumbents or
trikes. I guess I'd be happy to accept roadies as well as full-suss
MTB's, so the same argument probably applies. The more the merrier!

Cycles are cycles are cycles, and the same stuff largely applies to
riding trikes and 'bents as anything else.

When I was doing my trainer's training I used the Brom

I regularly use the brommie for training sessions - and will be doing so
this afternoon :-)
Its good to show youngsters the wide range of machines.
i wouldn't use the Trice tho :-(

Quoted message said:

With trikes you need to know to account for the steering differences,
especially with uprights, but aside from that the same rules apply and
what works as good roadcraft is equally applicable as to a "normal" bike.

In road positioning respects a trike can be beneficial as they naturally
take the primary position.

John B

Dave said:

<[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

On 19 Mar, 19:00, Tom Crispin <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Bikeability is the replacement for the Cycle Profienency Test.

Quoted message said:

I like the sound of it. Anything to get more people on bikes is a good
thing. Will be interesting to see how well it works.

I would agree - but like with anything else it will be down to areas.

Around here the "Cycle Training Scheme" as far as I know was/is not the same
as some other places so there seemed to be some local variations to the old
Cycling Proficiency Training that was National.

Then again it came down to schools too. Many schools do not offer it full
stop, others do in varying degrees and standards.

The Big Advantage, is that the National Standard Training (aka Bikeability) can
be available outside the often restrictive Local authority/school system.
Independent trainers are popping up all over the country.

IMO that is the way to increase cycling, and where support should be provided,
rather than the present trend of pumping funding into organisations that only
provide training reluctantly
Such bodies often lack any real enthusiasm for increasing cycling and provide
the service for political purposes.

I must also express a personal interest here.

Quoted message said:

I know one kid who did all the training and as there was only one teacher at
the school who did it who was ill at the end of term they didn't get to take
the test and get the badge and certs. The school never considered to lethem
do it later or get someone else to test them. It was unfortunate and they
had missed their slot.

Lets hope the new way goes a bit better.

it will still depend on the standard of the training provider.

John B

Following on from Dave's message. . .

Quoted message said:

Then again it came down to schools too. Many schools do not offer it full
stop, others do in varying degrees and standards.

Trap!
Why should cycle training be just for kids? Adults cycle training is
just as important and should not be sidelined by "training via schools
full stop".

Wake up call Ask your local education authority what adult education
colleges round your way offer cycle training. They can all do 'macrame
for bricklayers' and 'colourful mosaic art for healthy eating' but NONE
do cycle training.

--
PETER FOX Not the same since the borehole business dried up
[email hidden]
www.eminent.demon.co.uk - Lots for cyclists

"John B" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Dave said:

<[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

On 19 Mar, 19:00, Tom Crispin <[email hidden]>
wrote:
> Bikeability is the replacement for the Cycle Profienency Test.

Quoted message said:

I like the sound of it. Anything to get more people on bikes is a good
thing. Will be interesting to see how well it works.

I would agree - but like with anything else it will be down to areas.

Around here the "Cycle Training Scheme" as far as I know was/is not the

same

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

as some other places so there seemed to be some local variations to the

old

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Cycling Proficiency Training that was National.

Then again it came down to schools too. Many schools do not offer it

full

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

stop, others do in varying degrees and standards.

The Big Advantage, is that the National Standard Training (aka

Bikeability) can

Quoted message said:

be available outside the often restrictive Local authority/school system.
Independent trainers are popping up all over the country.

I have no doubt that in some areas there will be plenty of choice and in
others there will be none or little. The standard may be high and consistent
if you can get it.

Quoted message said:

IMO that is the way to increase cycling, and where support should be

provided,

Quoted message said:

rather than the present trend of pumping funding into organisations that

only

Quoted message said:

provide training reluctantly
Such bodies often lack any real enthusiasm for increasing cycling and

provide

Quoted message said:

the service for political purposes.

I totally agree - the LEA and schools do it because it is considered a good
thing but they have to find someone to do it rather than employing someone
who has it as their job.

The other side though is if offered as a separate thing and as a consequence
schools decide to drop it how many parents will then actually want to commit
to a few hours for them to train and at a cost to them. I am involved in
youth work so I know what apathy there is with many parents.

Quoted message said:

I must also express a personal interest here.

Quoted message said:

I know one kid who did all the training and as there was only one

teacher at

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

the school who did it who was ill at the end of term they didn't get to

take

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

the test and get the badge and certs. The school never considered to

lethem

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

do it later or get someone else to test them. It was unfortunate and

they

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

had missed their slot.

Lets hope the new way goes a bit better.

it will still depend on the standard of the training provider.

Very true. And I do hope that things do go well and it gets more people
cycling.

Dave

Peter Fox said:

Wake up call Ask your local education authority what adult education
colleges round your way offer cycle training. They can all do 'macrame
for bricklayers' and 'colourful mosaic art for healthy eating' but NONE
do cycle training.

In these days of increasing cost consciousness I think it more likely
that you won't e able to do cycling /or/ macrame for bricklayers.
However, cycling is a more useful thing to have.

The local organisation I volunteered for is mainly for adults rather
than kids. Must get back in touch ASAP and see how the application for
continued funding went...

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch Medical Physics IT Officer
Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Univ. of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK
net [email hidden] http://www.dundee.ac.uk/~pjclinch/

"Peter Fox" <[email hidden]> wrote in
message news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Following on from Dave's message. . .

Quoted message said:

Then again it came down to schools too. Many schools do not offer it full
stop, others do in varying degrees and standards.

Trap!
Why should cycle training be just for kids?

I am not saying it should be. But this is where they catch them as they are
captive at school.

Quoted message said:

Adults cycle training is
just as important and should not be sidelined by "training via schools
full stop".

I agree - but around here I think that there is just one person who runs
cycle training as a business.

Quoted message said:

Wake up call Ask your local education authority what adult education
colleges round your way offer cycle training. They can all do 'macrame
for bricklayers' and 'colourful mosaic art for healthy eating' but NONE
do cycle training.

I would agree. To be honest though I don't think that the LEA has anything
to do with the Colleges (not around here anyway).

There are 4 colleges close to me and none of them run cycling, but then
again they have all dropped courses that are not related to A Levels and
similar Diplomas etc, NVQ or others similar. All the hobby type courses have
been dropped due to lack of funding from the Government so no Cake Icing for
beginners, and creative drawing, holiday German and other evening type hobby
courses here.

Dave

On Tue, 20 Mar 2007 13:12:13 +0000, Peter Clinch <[email hidden]>

Quoted message said:

Peter Fox said:

Wake up call Ask your local education authority what adult education
colleges round your way offer cycle training. They can all do 'macrame
for bricklayers' and 'colourful mosaic art for healthy eating' but NONE
do cycle training.

In these days of increasing cost consciousness I think it more likely
that you won't e able to do cycling /or/ macrame for bricklayers.
However, cycling is a more useful thing to have.

Don't say that in front of a group of bricklayers.

Particularly if they have rather nice macrame covers for their hods!

Peter Fox said:

Following on from Dave's message. . .

Quoted message said:

Then again it came down to schools too. Many schools do not offer it full
stop, others do in varying degrees and standards.

Trap!
Why should cycle training be just for kids? Adults cycle training is
just as important and should not be sidelined by "training via schools
full stop".

Have a look at Southwark Cyclists Bikestart rides:
http://www.southwarkcyclists.org.uk/social/2007/03-BikeStart/bikestart.shtml

They are proving very popular.

Greenwich cyclists have also organised adult training sessions, along
the riverfront at Woolwich. Training done by an accredited trainer.

Peter Fox said:

Why should cycle training be just for kids? Adults cycle training is
just as important and should not be sidelined by "training via schools
full stop".

Wake up call Ask your local education authority what adult education
colleges round your way offer cycle training. They can all do 'macrame
for bricklayers' and 'colourful mosaic art for healthy eating' but NONE
do cycle training.

My understanding is that Adult Education is now funded by the Learning
Skills Council who are given a brief from the government on what
skills they should be giving priority to. You may well find that there
is a lot less macrame and mosaic art than there used to be (unless one
can obtain a nationally validated certificate in it) and I expect that
Tony/Gordon haven't yet told LSC to get the nation on their bikes.

Nevertheless there are many local authorities battling with the air
quality agenda who are highly supportive of adult cycle training. I
continue to be gob-smacked at what Ealing offer and even my London
borough of Hounslow offers

http://www.citycycling.org.uk/

as an offshoot of its Urban Pedal Pros training.

TimHenderson said:

Nevertheless there are many local authorities battling with the air
quality agenda who are highly supportive of adult cycle training. I
continue to be gob-smacked at what Ealing offer and even my London
borough of Hounslow offers

My LA proudly proclaims it offers cycle training for adults, but it is
simply a video that can be borrowed.

Well, it could be borrowed, but they seem to have lost it.

John B