Cycle Right
What is Cycle Right?
Cycle Right is the National Standard for Cycle Training and provides practical cycle safety and skills training to promote competent and confident cyclists. Cycle Right is an inclusive programme.
Cycle Right is produced and supported by the Department of Transport, the Road Safety Authority and Cycling Ireland, with input from central and local agencies and other groups.
What is the cost for schools?
The Department of Transport subsidise the cost of the course to help make it affordable to schools, and the price per trainee is is as follows:
- DEIS Schools: €10
- Non-DEIS schools: €20. Green-Schools may contribute an additional €10 per trainee up to a maximum of €600 per school if certain criteria is met, thus reducing the cost to €10.
About the Cycle right programME
Cycling Safety Training
The Cycle Right course not only teaches safe cycling techniques but also introduces participants to an invaluable and affordable form of exercise. In a time when lack of physical activity is a growing concern, this programme offers a solution that promotes both safety and health.
Seamless Integration into the School Curriculum
Cycle Right training is designed to be easily incorporated into the school day, aligning with the SPHE strand of the curriculum. Sessions can be scheduled to fit the PE timetable and typically take place outdoors in all but extreme conditions.
Comprehensive Training Content
The Cycle Right course covers a wide range of topics, ensuring that participants gain a thorough understanding of cycling safety. The training includes:
- Bicycle maintenance and setup
- Proper helmet wear and fit
- Clothing considerations for cycling
- Weather and environmental factors
- Core bike-handling skills
- Shoulder checking and signaling
- Starting position and safe stopping
- Turning techniques for various road types
- Correct positioning on the road
- Overtaking parked cars
- The lifesaver look (final check before a manoeuvre)
Theoretical and Practical Approach
In addition to practical skills, the sessions include elements of theory and rules of the road, incorporating signs and crossings. Traffic simulation techniques are used to emphasise control of speed, bike handling, and cyclist awareness. Each session builds upon the previous ones, reinforcing the content.
On-Road Training Opportunities
Where course outcomes have been met and the local environment is deemed suitable, participants may have the opportunity to progress to on-road training as part of the course.
Course Structure and Participation
The Cycle Right course is designed for students in 5th and 6th classes, consisting of 8 sessions. Each session can accommodate up to 30 trainees for the in-class section, followed by up to 15 trainees at a time for the on-bike section. Participants are welcome to use their own bikes and helmets, and Cyclopath will provide bikes and helmets for those who do not have them.
Upon successful completion of the course, each trainee will receive a certificate of achievement.
To learn more about bringing the Cycle Right course to your school, please contact us today. Together, we can promote cycling safety and encourage a healthier, more active lifestyle among students.
