Get on your bike to beat the strike, with IAM Drive & Survive

04 October 2010

Leading driver training company IAM Drive & Survive, has encouraged companies to train their employees to cycle safely in the city, as an alternative to taking public transport.

Travel chaos reigned supreme today with only the Waterloo & City line running a ‘good service’ at lunchtime. These problems are causing commuters to look for other options. With heavy traffic and the subsequent congestion charges still in place, taking the car is not going to be a viable option for most.  

On the day of the last strikes, 7 September 2010, thousands of extra cycle hire members used the scheme to get around, making a record 24,500 journeys between them. This represents a 32 per cent increase on a normal day’s usage.

Simon Elstow, IAM Drive & Survive’s Head of Training and Field Operations said: “On days like today cycling is going to be the most efficient way to get around the city. This is now a viable option since the launch of the Barclays’ Cycle Hire Scheme where bicycles are readily available, but not everybody will feel confident taking on London’s busy roads.

“To give your staff a better chance of getting into work in the event of future disruptions to the travel network, offering them training will increase their flexibility. Not only this but encouraging your staff to cycle, instead of always getting public transport has obvious benefits both for the environment, and their own health.”

IAM Drive & Survive can provide cycle training to all standards of cyclists, from beginners setting out on the roads for the first time, to those wishing to make their commute more enjoyable. How to be a better cyclist, the IAM’s (Institute of Advanced Motorists) comprehensive guide to becoming a better, safer and more confident cyclist, is ideal if you don’t have time for your employees to be out on the road for training.

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1. The IAM (Institute of Advanced Motorists) directly influences the driving and riding of more than 100,000 full members in the UK and Ireland. Established in 1956, the IAM is today best known for the advanced driving test and the advanced driving course, which is available to car, motorcycle and commercial licence holders. The IAM has grown to become the UK’s largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to raising driving standards, engaging with the road-using public and influencing road safety policy.  The commercial division of the IAM operates through its occupational driver training company IAM Drive & Survive.

2. A 2006 report by Brunel University, following an 18 month study, concluded that “advanced driver training produces safer drivers and lower accident involvement”, with measurable improvements in knowledge, skills and attitude.

3. In January 2007, the IAM Policy and Research Division was established to undertake research, promote practical policies, act as an advocate for safer roads, safer drivers and safer vehicles and encourage responsible motoring through education and training.