Cycle proficiency training resumes this week and motorists are being encouraged to drive considerately as children improve their riding skills and learn the rules of the road.
 
Courses are run at every primary school in the Isle of Man between March and October and form a key part of the Department of Infrastructure’s commitment towards road safety.
 
A total of 19 courses are scheduled to take place between now and the end of the school year in July, starting today (Monday 2nd March 2015) for pupils at Onchan. Details of locations and dates of all future sessions are highlighted on the Roadwatch website at http://www.gov.im/residents/roadnotifications/
 
Cycle proficiency training is delivered to pupils in Years 5 and 6 and plays an important role in a child’s development, often marking the transition from pavement dweller to road user. Courses are geared towards improving children’s cycling skills and providing them with a sound knowledge of the Highway Code.
 
Motorists are urged to be aware of training sessions and take care when passing groups of young cyclists. Cycle proficiency instructors will make a note of the registration numbers of any vehicles being driven inconsiderately and will pass them on to the Isle of Man Constabulary.
 
John Houghton MHK, Member of the Department of Infrastructure with responsibility for Highway Services, said:

‘The children attending these sessions are young and in many cases inexperienced when it comes to riding on the roads. I would therefore urge motorists to slow down, obey the rules of the road and be extra vigilant when driving through an area where a course is taking place. The Department takes its responsibilities towards road safety very seriously and wants to ensure that children can develop their cycling skills in the safest possible environment.’
 
Parents of children taking part in cycle proficiency training are asked to check their child’s bicycle is in a roadworthy condition and to help them learn the road signs from the Junior Highway Code, a copy of which is handed out at the start of each course.