The cycle training policy was discussed at the school's governors'
meeting tonight.
Draft Policy - now official with just one change.
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Acme Hall Primary School
Cycle Training Policy
Aims of Cycle Training
" to make children aware of possible hazards when cycling;
" for children to cycle in a way that makes them more visible to
other road users;
" to give children the confidence to cycle on roads according to
their training and ability;
" to give children a basic understanding of bicycle maintenance.
Who is it for?
From September 2005:
" all children in KS2 who cannot cycle without support will be
offered Level 1A training;
" all children in Year 4 will be offered Level 1B and Level 2
cycle training during the Summer Term;
" all children in Years 5 & 6, not yet at Level 2, will be
offered Level 1B and Level 2 training;
" some Year 6 children may be offered Level 3 training;
" where places are limited, preference may be given to groups
under represented as cyclists, this could include cultural minorities,
those from low income families and girls;
" every effort should be made to include children with physical
disabilities.
Instructor pupil ratios
" 1:2 or better for Level 1A training;
" 1:6 or better for Levels 1B and 2 training; 1:4 is the
recommended ratio;
" 1:4 or better for Level 3 training.
" Two instructors must accompany any group if cycling outside
school premises; they should carry a first aid kit and a mobile phone.
All cycle training must be conducted by an accredited instructor
listed with the Cycle Touring Club.
Bicycles
Bicycles must be in good working order and in a roadworthy condition.
Instructors should check that the bike is adjusted correctly for the
child and make any necessary adjustments. Instructors should refuse
to train children if they judge their bikes to be unroadworthy until
necessary repairs have been made.
Helmets
Parents must decide if they want their child to wear a helmet, or if
they delegate the responsibility to their child. Instructors should
check that helmets fit correctly and adjust straps if necessary. If a
helmet cannot be adjusted to fit correctly, and the parent has asked
that a helmet be worn, the child should not be allowed to take part in
training until they have a correctly fitting helmet.
Review
Summer Term 2006
Appendix
The National Standards
Level 1 - Off road instruction focusing on bicycle handling skills and
basic manoeuvres:
A1 get on and off the bike without help;
A2 start off and pedal without help;
A3 stop without help;
A4 ride along without help for at least one minute;
A5 make the bike go where they want;
B1 use their gears;
B2 stop quickly with control;
B3 manoeuvre safely to avoid objects
B4 look all around, including behind, without wobbling;
B5 signal right and left without wobbling;
B6 carry out a simple bike check.
Level 2 - On road training incorporating simple junctions in
moderately built up areas:
1 start an on-road journey;
2 finish an on-road journey;
3 be aware of everything around them, including behind, as they
ride;
4 understand how and when to signal their intentions to other
road users;
5 understand where to ride on the roads they are using;
6 pass parked or slower moving vehicles;
7 pass side roads;
8 turn right into a major road and left into a minor road;
9 turn left into a major road and right into a minor road;
10 be able to take the correct carriageway lane when they need
to;
11 decide where cycle lanes can help their journey and
demonstrate correct use;
12 explain why they have made decisions during riding are thereby
demonstrate understanding of safe riding strategy;
13 demonstrate a basic understanding of the highway code, in
particular how to interpret road signs.
Level 3 - On road training involving complex junctions, making
journeys and route planning:
1 how to use roundabouts;
2 how to use junctions controlled by traffic lights;
3 how to use multi-lane roads and turn left onto them;
4 an understanding of filtering and an ability to decide when to
filter and when to wait;
5 how to use both on and off-road cycle facilities;
6 hazard perception and strategy to deal with hazards;
7 an understanding of route planning.
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As expected, serious concerns were raised over the helmet issue. A
majority felt that cycle helmets should be made mandatory. I pointed
out that out of 20 children, 17 parents insist their child(ren) wear a
helmet during training and 3 parents leave the decision to their
child. No parent insists that a helmet is not worn. I expressed an
opinion that those 3 children would make an informed and sensible
decision about helmet wearing, while the other 17 would wear one
simply because they are told to. The governors were unconvinced,
however, they agreed to run with the policy as it stands with one
change. The review date is changed to Autumn 2005. Helmets will be
on the agenda again.
I really don't want to get into a debate with the governors about the
pros and cons of helmet use - only the issue of choice.