Three types of cycle training courses are available in Jersey.
Level one courses (traditionally known as cycling proficiency), are held in safe off-road locations normally at local primary schools who are willing to be involved in the scheme. These courses are offered to children aged 10 years and over (usually year six pupils) and so it is worth checking with the school to see if they are running a course. Children undertake a minimum six hour course spread over three to six weeks and learn the basics of safe cycling, how to deal with different types of junction, signalling and rules of the road. These courses are run by parents who are trained and supervised by the Road Safety Officer. Volunteers are always needed at schools, so please think about volunteering to help out if you can.
Level two courses are run from March through to October each year by the Road Safety Officer, normally at Les Quennevais, for young people aged 10 years and over. These courses offer practical ‘on-road’ experience providing cyclists with the skills and competence to deal and ride simple road junctions and understand basic rules of the road. Parent volunteers are enlisted to assist the Road Safety Officer with these courses.
Level three courses are for those who have either attained level two status or adults who need to learn advanced riding techniques, to ride safely in more complex traffic situations (such as riding around major round abouts, ring road riding, dealing with traffic islands, complex one way roads etc). The length of this course varies depending upon the level of skill and knowledge of the cyclist, but can be anywhere between three and six hours. There is no maximum age for this course.
Everyone attending courses must be able to ride a bike, though it is not essential for parent helpers to ride a bike. Students are expected to wear an approved cycle helmet and bring a roadworthy bike. All bikes are given a safety check at the beginning of each course and any defects must be rectified before sitting the assessment.
Those attending a level one course will have to study the Highway Code and take a multi choice theory test consisting of thirty one questions, the results of this are taken into account in the final assessment. Leevel two and three candidates are given a verbal test on the code.
A practical evaluation takes place following the training of level one and ongoing assessment takes place for level's two and three. All students will receive certification upon completion of their course.
To obtain more information on any of these courses, please contact the Road Safety Officer at Police Headquarters on 612222 or by email p.blake@jersey.pnn.police.uk