New cycle safety training course launched

Date: 4/3/2011

In a bid to improve road safety and encourage more people to use a bicycle to travel to work, the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has launched three training courses.

Aimed at businesses that want more of their employees to use two wheels when journeying to and from the office, the Drive and Survive scheme will be split into three levels to cover everything from basic riding techniques to more challenging situations.

Delivered by accredited trainers, the courses meet the National Standards for Cycle Training and will be held at the workplace of the firm that requests it in order to take into account the local roads and cycle paths.

IAM Drive and Survive Cycling Manager Duncan Pickering said: "With fuel prices so high and companies seeking to reduce carbon emissions, cycling keeps costs down and staff fit. Healthier staff are more alert, have greater concentration and are more productive."

He added that one-quarter of business-related car trips cover a distance of two miles - the equivalent of 15 minutes on a bike - meaning the return on investment employers may make from encouraging bike use could be significant.

At the Geneva Motor Show, Land Rover has unveiled its Range Rover Evoque concept bicycle, which aims to provide both speed and stability.

Posted by Nick Anderson