Cycling proficiency - a thing of the past?

As parents do you remember getting your Cycling Proficiency Badge after a test in riding around pretend roads in the playground? Or, worse still, perhaps you suffered the stigma of not passing? Perhaps this playground scene brings back those memories?

On-road cycle training - the new cycle proficiency

Either way, how realistic was that training in today’s traffic conditions? The good news is that cycle training in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames goes from strength to strength with all Y6 children being offered the chance to participate. The even better news is that the scheme is almost entirely on-road (after checking the child’s basic bike control skills in the playground) and so is much more realistic and fun. The scheme complies fully to National Standards with all instructors professionally trained to this level.

Safe cycling no longer seen as a pass or fail activity...

The aim of the scheme is clear - to encourage as many children as possible to cycle safely on our roads. To this end, we do not ‘fail’ any children as we recognise this is likely to put them off cycling for some time - all children who complete the course receive the coveted enamel badge and a certificate (parents, do you still have yours?) with those who show outstanding achievement receiving a distinction certificate.

...now children (and their parents) are given a clear assessment of their ability

We do not send any children away with the idea that they are perfect (Passed) or poor (Failed). Instead they all go away with the clear idea that they all need to gain more experience on quieter roads and with a personal feedback form which shows clearly those skills they need to concentrate on, especially useful to parents in deciding what level of adult supervision they may need (highly recommended for all children of this age).

So, it may have changed somewhat since your day, but cyclist training in the borough is still going strong and is better and more professional than ever. The health and environmental benefits will hopefully be seen in the future as more and more children take up and continue safe cycling into adulthood. Let’s hope so!

An example of today's cycle training in action: