City of York Council's highly-rated programme of cyclist training is to get international acclaim this week - from the land of five times Tour De France champion Eddie Merckx!

On Thursday (February 21) Bart Van Camp and Eddie Klijnen from the Flemish Foundation for Traffic Science in Belgium are making a special fact-finding mission to York to see why the city is recognised as leading the way in providing cyclist training.

The visitors heard about York's achievements in road safety training from a Swiss colleague and now hope to be able to persuade their government to invest in similar training for Belgian children.

Ken Spence, City of York Council's road safety officer said, "York's comprehensive programme of professional cyclist training has contributed to falling casualties whilst levels of cycling have increased and this is a success story we are proud to share with anyone who wants to promote cycling, wherever they live or work.

"Bart and Eddie are the first international visitors who have travelled just to see the road safety training we offer but we have had enquiries from among others Australia, the USA, Brazil and Israel. We have also trained cyclist instructors from all over the UK and Ireland. "

Bart and Eddie will be inspecting an actual cycle training class at the Minster School on Thursday afternoon.

Councillor Dave Merrett, the council's executive member for planning and transport, said, "I'm pleased at this demonstration of how others value and rate our cycle training team and would like to congratulate them.

"Cycling is important to our transport strategy, as well as contributing to personal health and freedom for young and old, so getting the training on how to cycle safely is essential."

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City of York Council provides the following lRoad Safety Training Courses:

Pedestrian Training (for children aged 8-9 years)* This training is carried out during school time. It consists of three training sessions, each approximately one hour in length, on consecutive days. Children are taken out in class groups and the training is carried out on roads close to the school. Children are instructed in basic crossing strategy and on how to use fixed crossing points (Islands, Zebras, Pelicans) where these are close at hand.

Bike Days (for children in year 5) These are run 6-12 months before children undertake basic cyclist training. They comprise a half day of exercises on the playground to improve cycle control skills. They will also be advised on basic maintenance checks and how to use gears. Each course is for a whole class. Children without bicycles will be invited to share.

Basic Cyclist Training (for children aged 10 years and above)* This training is carried out during school hours. Each course consists of a minimum of five one hour long training sessions. All training is carried out on the road. School courses are run on the basis of one session per week for the duration of a half term. A maximum of 18 pupils are allowed on each course with a pupil instruction ratio no greater than 6 to 1. Children are taught basic strategy for coping with on-road hazards.

Advanced Cyclist Training (for children in year 7) This is one-to-one cyclist training for children who have completed basic training. It comprises a two-hour session in school hours during which the child's safest route to school can be planned and cycled. Children who have missed basic training will be given extra sessions to bring them up to the required standard. Adult Cyclist Training (for all aged 14 years and above)* Adult cyclist training is carried out on a one-to-one basis at a time and place mutually agreed between instructor and trainee, usually from the trainee's home. The training is tailored to meet the individual needs of each trainee. A variation on adult training is family training where parents with children younger than 10 can be trained how to ride with their child.

Instructor Training* The Council runs structured instructor training courses for its own employees and for those from other local authorities and professional and voluntary bodies. All our instructors may be trained to help in the running of these courses.

* Charges are made for these courses to cover the real cost in part or completely.