bit of a cycling rant

[Cheezy]

On the local news it announced that the police were to re start training kids how to cycle safely on the roads.

WTF!!!!, when did they stop? . I remember all kids at our junior school had to come in on a Saturday over the summer holidays and get training.
Most parents we're glad to get shot of you for half a day anyway, and it taught you how to act, signal and more importantly be aware.

It does explain why only last week I saw a young teenager on a BMX riding up the wrong side of the road , up to a mini roundabout straight across it again on the wrong side, and it was built up so he would not have seen if a car was coming from the right and turning in down the road into his path. Also when was the last time you saw a kid on a bike indicate their intended direction?. The governments we have had, have a lot to be blaimed for, and stopping training kids how to safely cycle is one of them, that and not funding school baths so to teach them how to swim is another.
They come over all nanny stateish, then leave out the real people who need nannying!.....our next generation.

The only time I have a problem with cyclists (as an ex cyclists) is when I see them on the pavement.(not cycle path mind, the pavement)

That is for pedestrians, and if they are not confident enough to use the road then get off the bloody bike and walk.

[Millymollymandy]

Wot, you mean the Cycling Profiency Test doesn't exist any more?!!!

I remember doing that at primary school.

I also remember being told off by a copper for cycling on the pavement when I was about 12 or 13. Only little kids were allowed to do that.

[den_the_cat]

I don't think it does, I haven't seen kids at our local primary school doing it for years.

[Andy Hamilton]

We all had to do the cycling Profiency test at school, everyone but Hayley Farmer passed. She did not as her breaks fell off her bike.

I found something about the test now on the Rospa site.

[den_the_cat]

well its not only official courses which would help, my dad taught me all about different roadsigns and how traffic works and basic bike maintenance (so my brakes didn't fall off!) way before I did the Cycling proficiency thing, although that was where I learnt hand signals and how to zigzag through cones and around the hopscotch court.

It would be good to bring it back though, even if it encouraged more kids to go out on their bikes offroad occasionallt it'd be good for them :)

[Shirley]

My son did it twice.... last year and this year... last year in england (failed) and this year in Scotland (passed) - both the schools he was at were small country schools - not sure whether this has a bearing on whether the test is done or not.

I think it's a great thing - should be compulsory, as should the wearing of cycle helmets.

[Martin]

got to differ with you on compulsion for helmets! - having happily ridden pushbikes to school for years without needing one, I'm stuffed if I'm going to start now! I think they tend to give people a sense of invincibility - it's my head!
But wholeheartedly in agreement about cycling proficiency courses - that will save lives!

[cir3ngirl]

My children would not have a Grandad Alan if he had not had a helmet on a few weeks ago. I know my aunt would have worn a helmet if they had been around. It may have saved her life. A head once damaged is hard to fix. All Alan had to do was fix a bike and buy a new helmet.

Davina

[Muddypause]

We all had to do the cycling Profiency test at school, everyone but Hayley Farmer passed. She did not as her breaks fell off her bike.

I'm not quite sure where my head is tonight, but I just read that as: "...She did not as her breasts fell off..."

I knew too much time on the internet would warp my mind.

[Shirley]

[albert onglebod]

I dont wear a helmet.
The only ones that fit me are the kiddy helmets with my little pony or bob the builder on them and the straps are always way too tight although the hat part fits.
When we used to go horse riding(years ago) I had a small riding hat that my son could wear when he was 6. At least that didnt have pictures on though.

[Andy Hamilton]

I'm not quite sure where my head is tonight, but I just read that as: "...She did not as her breasts fell off..."

I knew too much time on the internet would warp my mind.

As far as remeber she did not have any, we were all 8 years old.

Moving very swiftly back on thread, I have been looking out for bad cyclists after reading this thread, sure enough there are many out there. People on phones, two on a bike, wrong way down 1 way streets, wrong side of the road and breasts falling off. I have never heard of anyone being arrested for cycling offenses. Perhaps there should be?

Re - helmets, I am sure that they do help save lives but I have never owned one. I can imagine my head getting too sweaty in them in this weather. Poor excuse but are they not expensive?

[cir3ngirl]

What price is too much when it could save a life? I wear a kids helmet from Argos which was £7.99. My children have always worn helmets and think poeple who don't are bonkers.

Davina

[Clarabel]

This has made me come over all nervous, I'm (hopefully soon) going to get my first bike since I was 13 and I've never ridden on the road or done the cycling test (can't remember why - I was meant too, although my parents didn't want me on the roads anyway!)

Help! I think I'm going to annoy everybody! Unless I do what I did as a kid and only cycle in the park and by the canal!

Clare

[Andy Hamilton]

I am sure that you will be a diligent and safe cyclist. - especially as you will be nervious at first. Perhaps when you first get it build up gently and cycle by the canal and on cycle paths. When you know you won't wobble too much start on smaller roads and then all the roads you wish. But do try to cycle on roads pretty soonish as it might end up that you build it up to be something it is not.

So your children think I am bonkers cir3ngirl I know that I probally should wear a helmet, one of those things I have never bothered and don't give it much thought.