Cycling

Safer Cycling and Cycling Courses for Children

Making it easier for people to cycle short journeys is a key part of the integrated transport strategy of Staffordshire County Council and of wider Government objectives. As well as reducing car dependency, congestion and local air pollution, cycling can improve people's health and fitness.

Training Courses

All Staffordshire's school children can attend a cycling training course. The courses are:

CYCLE 4 - This course is playground based only and provides a safe environment to improve children's confidence and control. It is aimed at Years 3 and 4. A pack is available from the School Travel Team with instructions of how to set up and run this course. Pupils receive a certificate, badge and a high visibility rucksack once they have completed this course.

CYCLE 5 - This course is a combination of off and on-road training aimed at Years 5 and 6. The aim is to introduce the children to the skills required to cycle on or near our roads. This course is teacher/volunteer led. Instructors must have a training session from a School Travel Adivsor prior to their first course. This is quite simple and will talk them through how to set up and run the course. After pupils have completed this course they receive a certifcate, badge and high visibility rucksack.

BIKEABILITY - Launched in the spring of 2007 Bikeability Level 2 training is available to Year 6 & 7 pupils. Fully qualified cycle trainers deliver the training to small groups of pupils on roads near to the school. The pupils gain confidence in real situations, learning the correct position, junctions, signalling and more importantly decision making. This course covers National Standards Level 2. Bookings can be made through your School Travel Team.

group of children cycle training

Bikeability in Action!

For more information on Cycle Training in your School or area contact:

Catherine Jenkinson and Angela Cooper-Adams

School Travel Team - 01785 854036

Cyclist Safety

Cycling is being encouraged as a more sustainable form of transport; it is kind on the environment, healthy and is enjoyed by all age groups.

Motorists and cyclists both have a right to use Britain's roads - a right to safe and enjoyable travel. Both share a responsibility to understand each other's needs - and to respond positively. We hope information like this will make motorists and cyclists more aware of each other, and counter the intolerance that can develop between them - in short, we aim to establish a climate of mutual courtesy and care.

Cyclists & Motorists - Sharing the Roads

What cyclists would like motorists to know

Cyclists are more vulnerable than motorists, for example rain, wind and poor visibility make conditions worse for cyclists. Therefore drivers have the major responsibility to take care.
Cyclists can be forced into faster traffic by vehicles parked in cycle lanes, at junctions or on double yellow lines.
Cyclists feel threatened by inconsiderate driving. They have a right to space on the road and need extra room at junctions and roundabouts where cars change speed, position and direction.
Cyclists are dazzled by full-beam headlights, like everybody else.
Cyclists can be fast movers - up to 20 mph or more.
Cyclists ride away from the kerb not to annoy motorists, but to avoid potholes, drains and debris, be seen as they come to junctions and discourage drivers from squeezing past where it's too narrow.
Cyclists turning right are exposed and need extra consideration, especially on multi-lane roads.

What motorists would like cyclists to know

Motorists get upset if cyclists ride without lights at night, ignore red traffic lights or hop on and off the pavements.
Motorists usually travel faster than cyclists and may have less time to take account of hazards.
Motorists may not always see cyclists.
Motorists may feel uneasy when cyclists seem hesitant, move out suddenly or wobble around potholes.
Motorists can feel delayed by cyclists.
Motorists don't always understand that some road surfaces, junctions or traffic conditions cause problems for cyclists.

What cyclists can do

Follow the Highway Code. Don't jump red lights, ride on pavements, ride the wrong way up one-way streets or ride across pedestrian crossings.
Think ahead. Anticipate drivers' actions and make eye contact.
Be visible. Ride well clear of the kerb, wear bright clothing, and always use lights after dark or in poor visibility.
Ride positively and decisively. It helps motorists understand what you plan to do.
Show drivers what you plan to do. Always look and signal before you start, stop or turn.
Ride a straight line past parked cars rather than dodge between them.

What motorists can do

Think bike. Expect to see cyclists and take care.
Slow down and drive smoothly. Expect sudden movements by cyclists especially in windy weather or on bad road surfaces.
Right turning cyclists need space and time.
Give cyclists space - at least half a car's width - and never force past them.
Be patient; a few seconds for a cyclist hardly affects your journey time.
Watch for riders on the inside when you turn left. Don't cut them up.
Park considerately and always look for cyclists before opening a door.
Expect speed from a bike, and think of it like a vehicle - it is.

Last Modified: 03/11/2008 08:59:19
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