Hemel Hempstead Cycling Club

In association with British Cycling, Hemel Hempstead Cycle Club would like to invite your children to attend a Bikeability road safety course on Tuesday 16th Feb to Thursday 18th Feb.

NOTE: This course is now full with a full reserve list.

• This is a half term course spread over 3 days allowing your child to attain Level 1, and possibly Level 2*/**
• Age range is 7 to 13 yrs
• This is a FREE course, the normal charge from local authorities is £40.

There is a possibility that your schools may not have run a course. Or, your children missed it due to other commitments, so get it now while you can! Alternatively, your children may have attended such courses with their schools already, but when it’s free, why not grab the chance to have further training and experience for free! Did I mention it’s free?

During the course of 2010, there are intentions for HHCC to venture out further on the roads with all children that have an interest for road riding/racing. As a prerequisite to joining this group, it is important that you have attained Level 2 Bikeability to allow you to ride with the group.

This is what we will be teaching and practising!

Training and Competencies Level 1.

Level 1 takes two hours of training and assumes that the rider can already ride a bike on their own. These lessons are carried out off road in a car park and cover basic cycle control and skills. I will also carry out a cycle safety check and introduce the concept of ‘right of way’ and Highway Code for cyclists.

This will ensure the rider can carry out the following:

1. Carry out a simple bike check
2. Get on and off the bike without help.
3. Start off and pedal without help.
4. Stop without help.
5. Ride along without help for roughly a minute.
6. Make the bike go where they want.
7. Use gears correctly.
8. Stop quickly with control.
9. Manoeuvre safely to avoid objects.
10. Look all around, including behind, without loss of control.
11. Signal left and right without loss of control.

Training and Competencies Level 2.

Assuming Level 1 has been completed, Level 2 takes approx 5 hours of training. Lessons take place on quiet local roads such as housing estates and other similar roads with low traffic volumes. Sessions will cover the main manoeuvres needed when cycling on these roads.

This will ensure the rider can carry out the following:

1. Start and stopping on a road journey.
2. Being aware of everything around them, including behind as they ride.
3. Understanding how and when to signal their intentions to other road users.
4. Understanding where to ride on the roads they are using.
5. Passing parked cars or slower moving vehicles.
6. Passing side roads.
7. Turning left into a minor road.
8. Turning left into a major road.
9. Turning right from a minor to a major road.
10. Turning right from a major road into a minor road.
11. Deciding where cycle lanes can help a journey and demonstrate correct use.
12. Demonstrate why they have made decisions during riding and thereby demonstrating understanding of safe riding strategy.
13. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the Highway Code, particularly how to interpret road signs.
14. Demonstrate understanding of safety equipment and clothing.

I would also look to discuss and train on the subjects of journey planning, cycle lanes, mini roundabouts, width restrictions and traffic calming if time allows and is applicable to the area.

In terms of times, this very much depends on take up, I can manage 12 children per session. I would look at 3 morning sessions to complete the course - 9.30 till 12.30. If the numbers are greater than that, I would then look to run a second course in the afternoons as well - 1.00 till 3.00.

So, get the dates in the diary now and respond as soon as you can to get your places booked.

Bookings

NOTE: This course is now full with a full reserve list.

Booking should be directed to Simon Cooper using below contact mobile or email.

• Email: snscooper@yahoo.co.uk
• Mobile: 07595 733 413
   

Notes:

• *This is a competency based course and so all aspects must be covered to attain Level 2.
• **All children under 8 years will only be considered for Level 1. All children need to attain Level 1 before moving onto Level 2.
• All children must bring with them a road worthy bike, a cycle helmet conforming to safety regulations along with suitable clothing for the weather conditions.