The Institute of Advanced Motorists may initially not seem the most logical organisation to offer cycling information and training. However IAM, following some very detailed research, has produced an excellent document called ‘Cycling Motorists’.
Duncan Pickering, IAM Cycling Development Manager explains:
‘With over 50 years experience in providing improved driving and riding skills, the IAM is excellently placed to help cyclists be safer on the road. Its principles for road safety have helped hundreds of thousands of road users and these principles are now being applied to cycling’.
IAM is the only organisation to provide practical skills development for the driver, motorcyclist and cyclist which ensures a continuity of approach to promoting road use and safety. This is well placed as the UK has seen a surge in the popularity of cycling in the last ten years, buoyed by the many benefits it can bring – improved health and fitness, financial gain and care of the environment to name but a few. With this increasing popularity set to continue, many more people are trying cycling or want to cycle more often.
The IAM's approach to safer cycling is two-fold. The first is through the delivery of practical, on-road instruction, giving cyclists the skills and confidence to tackle the challenges faced on UK roads. Such instruction adheres to the standards set out in Bikeability training, but the core values of IAM road safety, positioning, awareness, observation, have also be introduced for added benefit. The recruitment of a UK-wide network of cycle instructors who can deliver for the IAM is underway to enable more cyclists to take advantage of this invaluable training.
The second initiative is its soon to be published book, "How to be a better cyclist", which will be an accompaniment to any on-road training or can be used as a self-help guide in its own right. "How to be a better cyclist" is set for launch on 20th April 2010.
