North Yorkshire County Council offers a scheme of cycle training for children in years five and six of Primary School.

Cycle Awareness Programme (CAP)

The aim of the course is to provide a starting point for lifelong development and consolidation of skills necessary for good cycling practice. It should not be seen as a one-off training course, complete in itself.

The training is usually provided by a volunteer recruited by the School. They receive training, support and materials from their local Road Safety Officer (RSO).

Each course lasts around 10 hours, delivered over a number of weeks. This can be in school time or as an after school activity, this is usually agreed between the school and the instructor.

The instructor will also, depending on the size of the group, need volunteer helpers to maintain a minimum ratio of one adult to five children. All instructors and helpers agree to a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check.

Each pupil needs a helmet and a roadworthy bicycle. Bikes are checked by the instructor or the local RSO and any necessary repairs must be made before training starts.

Initially sessions are based in the playground or other safe area. This is so that the instructor can assess the groups' bike handling ability and practise skills such as balance, control and observation without worrying about traffic. Once basic skills have been developed, lessons move onto the road. This is a vital step in raising awareness and putting playground practice into a real-life situation. Each on road site is individually risk-assessed by the RSO and recommendations made on safe use of the particular venue. Also, each child wears a hi-vis vest and warning signs are put out at training times.

Finally the children are tested, usually by the RSO, on the practical skills they have learned and also on their knowledge of the Highway Code.

To make the experience more fun and to help the pupils understand the Cycle Awareness Programme in more detail, an interactive game has been produced. To access this game please click on the web link below.