The development of a standardised road safety cycling training proficiency programme for children is one of the key actions identified in the Action Plan in the Road Safety Strategy 2013-2020. In response, Cycle Right, a new national standard for cycle safety training, has been developed by my Department in association with the Road Safety Authority (RSA), Cycling Ireland and other relevant stakeholders and will be rolled-out early next year.
Cycle Right is a modular cycling road safety training course which is delivered over three stages, with participants gaining skills and knowledge on a phased basis to prepare for cycling in increasingly complex road scenarios. Prior to the development of Cycle Right there was no designated standard for the delivery of cycle training in Ireland resulting in a variance of course content, duration and quality of delivery from area to area. In general, no on-road training was provided
Funding for the new standard has been made available by my Department with some support from the RSA to meet the additional costs of providing the high level of training (including road based training) and teacher/pupil ratio that Cycle Right requires. This additional funding will be administered by Cycling Ireland. It is expected that all local authorities that have provided funding for cycle training in recent years will continue to do so at the same level and that those authorities that have not provided funding to date will see the launch of Cycle Right as an opportunity to support cycle training to school children in their area.
The cost of student participation in this new training will be covered by a combination of funding from my Department, the RSA, local authorities and a small parental contribution.
