Cycle Training
The SRSC has developed the Scottish Cycle Training Scheme. The purpose of this scheme is to make cyclists safer on the roads, by improving their cycling skills and making them aware of their surroundings. Rather than encouraging cyclists to learn a series of rules, it is intended to make cyclists adopt a problem solving approach to using the road. There is a range of cycle training schemes, for more details contact your local Road Safety unit.
RoSPA recommends 10 as the minimum age to start cycle training. Very young children do not yet have the skills needed to be able to cope with traffic. For this reason, most formal cycle training in schools is offered to children in the upper primary and above.
Cycle training courses offered to children of this age introduce the basic skills and knowledge necessary for safe cycling. Parents and carers are encouraged to show children how they can develop responsibility as a road user, bearing in mind that a bicycle on the road is a vehicle and not a toy.
How can you help your child?
Cycle Maintenance
Check the cycle before it is used and highlight main points:
- Brakes - adjusted so brakes can be applied with small amount of pressure.
- Tyres - inflated to correct pressure.
- Chain - tension checked, clean and oiled.
- Steering - headset correctly adjusted.
- Reflector(s) - clean and ensure they are on view to other road users.