Cyclists

Cycle Training Courses at the Road Safety Centre

Child Cycle Training

Each year the Road Safety Team provides on and off-road practical cyclist training for more than 1500 school pupils at Cardiff schools. In addition to these school-based courses, courses are also held during the school holidays at the Road Safety Centre in Maindy for pupils who are unable to receive training at their school.

The course runs for the period specified, is free of charge and open to all Cardiff children aged nine years and above who possess their own bike. Following health and safety advice, the wearing of a cycle helmet is now compulsory and can be purchased from the Centre for £8 each. Bicycles can be stored overnight for convenience.

The course includes basic practical riding skills, knowledge of the Highway Code, cycle checks and advice on the wearing of protective equipment.

If you require further information or wish to reserve a place for your child on a course, please contact Germaine Walsh at the Road Safety Centre on 029 2078 8527 or email us.

Adult Cycling Courses

Are you interested in getting ‘back in the saddle’, having not cycled for years?

Do you want to be more confident when cycling on the road?

Adult cyclists are being offered the chance to improve their cycling skills at a one-day training course run by Cardiff Council’s Road Safety Centre.  The morning session will be spent learning important roadcraft and theories. These include practical riding skills, knowledge of the Highway Code, basic cycle checks and advice on the wearing of protective equipment.  The afternoon session (depending on cycling ability) will include time spent cycling on-road routes close to the Centre.

Dates 2012

Saturday 26th May, Sunday 17th June, Sunday 29th July.

Time: 10am – 4pm.  Lunch is NOT provided.

Health and Safety Requirements: Participants will be required to bring a roadworthy bicycle that is suitable for their own size. Following health and safety advice, the wearing of a cycle helmet is strongly recommended.

Maximum Numbers: 6 adults plus two trainers.

Target participants: Adults who can competently ride a bicycle and wish to become a more confident and knowledgeable rider. Ideal for those who have not ridden for years but are keen to commute by bike or to cycle with their children.

Costs: The course costs £10 and needs to be paid in advance to reserve your place.

Please note that courses will only run if adequate numbers participate.

For further information concerning the courses, please contact Germaine Walsh at the Road Safety Centre on 029 2078 8527 or rso2@cardiff.gov.uk.

Cycling courses aim:

  • To reduce the number of child cyclists injured in Cardiff every year.
  • Create an awareness of the need and importance of cycle training/education.
  • To develop observation and manoeuvrability skills.
  • To encourage the use of protective clothing and headgear.
  • To prepare younger riders for on-road training.
  • To highlight to parents the importance of cycle training.

On-road cyclist training

Young cyclists from a number of Primary and Secondary Schools in Cardiff are being trained on public roads.

The six-week training course which has been organised by the Road Safety Unit is designed to help develop practical riding, safety and awareness skills, and will provide an important early foundation for our future drivers and riders.

Research undertaken by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL), has shown that young riders benefit more from on-road training, which can aid the development of the necessary decision making skills, which are needed to cope with modern traffic.

Training is conducted on quiet local roads, in close proximity to the school, where simple manoeuvres such as left and right turns, overtaking a parked car etc, can be carried out. To be eligible for training, all pupils should have completed a cyclist training course (where available) and have reached the age of 10.

Pupils progress will be constantly monitored through a process of continuous assessment, and upon completion of the course the young riders will be awarded a certificate of achievement.

Please be aware that we are unable to provide cyclist training for non-riders.
Training for both adults and children with little confidence or no experience in riding a bike is available during the summer months from:

Maindy Swimming Pool and Cycle Track
Crown Way, off North Road
Cardiff CF14 3AJ
Tel: 029 2052 9230
http://www.maindyflyers.com

Rules for cyclists

Before starting off, turning right or left, overtaking, or stopping, you must look behind and make sure it is safe and then if necessary give a clear arm signal to show what you intend to do.

You must not ride on the pavement unless there are special signs allowing you to do so.

When you get on your cycle look all round for traffic, then when it is safe to move off, cycle away.

Always keep both hands on the handlebars unless you are signalling or changing gears.

When turning from one road into another, pedestrians who are crossing that road have the right of way, so give way.

You must obey traffic light signals made by police officers, traffic wardens or school crossing patrols.

You must not hold onto a vehicle or another cyclist.

You must not carry a passenger on you cycle unless it is specially designed to do so.

You should never lead an animal whilst cycling.

Watch out for traffic doing unexpected things.

If riding with others on a busy or narrow roads, you should ride one behind the other. Never ride more than two side by side.

Always ride far enough from the edge of the road to avoid drains and gutters.

If you want to turn right from a busy road, it is safer to STOP on the left hand side before or after the junction and wait for a safe gap in the traffic, before walking with your cycle across the road.

You should not wear a personal stereo whilst cycling or use a mobile phone.

Only overtake when you are certain it is safe to do so. If you are overtaking parked vehicles, watch out for them starting off while you are doing so, look out for car doors opening or pedestrians crossing near to them. You should also look for traffic coming towards you.

For more information, contact the Road Safety Centre.