IAM Drive & Survive launches corporate cycle training

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.”