BikeSomerset > Youth & Schools > Bikeability

Bikeability

Somerset Road Safety Partnership is keen to deliver the New National Standard Cycle Training programme as part of its efforts to achieve casualty reduction targets. These courses provide an opportunity for cyclists to develop rider skills to cope with the modern road environment in safety. The main differences from the traditional Cycle Proficiency courses as we know them is on road training with the instructor following on a bicycle also.

Bikeability courses will provide a broader range of training that should encourage all ages and not just seen as a childrens training programme.

The road safety partnership is looking to increase the availability of such courses as new instructors are recruited and trained. Meanwhile Cycle Proficiency courses continue to be run alongside the new programme. In addition during June there will be a new individual self teaching cycle training pack be available "Fit 2 Ride" that aims to fill a gap where riders cannot access organised courses.

Somerset Road Safety Partnership - Casualty Reduction

Somerset Road Safety Partnership has been formed to achieve casualty reduction targets set by government for the year 2010. Through partnership working and sharing of information campaigns and initiatives will be introduced based on casualty data. The data has already highlighted key areas involving cycle casualties, they are Taunton, Bridgwater, Yeovil and Frome. Consequently the key target areas for prioritising cycle training should be in these areas and consideration will need to be given to provide geographical coverage of courses throughout Somerset.

Urban Safety Studies have been conducted at Taunton, Bridgwater and Yeovil providing valuable information about concentrations of collisions and particularly cyclists. The partnership is keen to engage with cycling groups to look at solutions to reduce casualties and raise awareness of particular hazards.

Somerset Road Safety Partnership - Working together to reduce road casualties.