IAM Drive & Survive launches corporate cycle training

3 March 2011 

IAM Drive & Survive has launched three cycle training courses for businesses that want to encourage cycling or have more cyclists in their workforce. And with Cycle to Work schemes accounting for half a million of new bikes on the road, it is vital that these new or returning cyclists are safe riders.

The training has three levels:

• CycleCheck gives inexperienced cyclists the chance to practice control, braking, changing gear and signalling, in a safe off-road environment.
• CycleRide gives cyclists the confidence they need to ride safely and legally in traffic by focusing on positioning, negotiating traffic and awareness of other road users.
• CycleRide+ prepares cyclists for more challenging situations such as turning right on multi-lane roads, negotiating roundabouts, traffic lights and filters.

Each course meets the National Standards for Cycle Training and is delivered by accredited trainers.

The courses are held at the workplace so that local cycling conditions are taken into account and each course takes approximately two to three hours.

IAM Drive & Survive cycling manager Duncan Pickering said:  “A quarter of company car trips are for less than two miles, just a 15-minute ride for cyclists.  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.

“Corporate pedal power makes sense and for a relatively small investment in training the returns are huge.”

As well as improving safety and confidence, the courses also make cycling a more enjoyable experience.  

Halfords cycle2work account manager Elle Thompson said: "I forgot how much I love cycling – I hadn't been on a bike since I was about 12. After the training, not only do I feel like I'd like to start cycling again, I also feel that I'd be safe on the roads as well.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. IAM Drive & Survive is a commercial subsidiary of the IAM and promotes occupational driver skills and safety for vehicle fleets businesses. IAM Drive & Survive helps employers achieve their duty of care to employees and reduce road accidents while driving on business. The IAM is the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving, motorcycle riding and cycling.  The IAM has more than 100,000 members in the UK and Ireland. It is best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving, motorcycling and cycling courses.  Our policy and research division offers advice and expertise on road safety.

1. Cycle2Work is a Government tax break to encourage cycling to work. It means employees make huge savings on a new bike and safety accessories. Employers benefit too by encouraging a healthier workforce and by offering a tangible benefit to staff.  More information is here www.bike2workscheme.co.uk

Note to the editor:

1. 1.    For information about IAM Drive & Survive cycle training and how it can help your business achieve its goals phone 0870 120 2910 or visit http://www.iamdriveandsurvive.co.uk/cycling

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