Investigating the impact of the Cycling Proficiency Scheme in schools in Northern Ireland

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This statistical brief was commissioned by DfI Active Travel. The paper considers any changes in the attitudes of children towards road safety issues associated with cycling following the completion of the Cycling Proficiency Scheme at school.

Background

The Cycling Proficiency Scheme (CPS) has operated in Northern Ireland schools for approximately 50 years, training more than 450,000 pupils. Early road safety education is crucial in keeping children safe on the roads. The purpose of the scheme is to help children develop their skills, increase their confidence as cyclists and identify risks they may come across on the roads. The CPS is delivered by school staff and instructors who are approved by, and registered with, DFI Active Travel.

A survey of school children who took part in CPS in Northern Ireland is carried out to consider the attitudes of the children towards various aspects of road safety before and after completion of the scheme. The questions were designed to assess how much the scheme had changed the attitudes and actions of participants in respect of various safety aspects of cycling such as wearing a helmet and reflective clothing, carrying out safety checks on bicycles and specifics of manoeuvring on the roads. The analysis monitors the effectiveness of the Scheme, allowing the Department to identify positive changes in participants’ behaviour as well as areas requiring improved support and guidance.

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Investigating the impact of the Cycling Proficiency Scheme in schools in Northern Ireland

Background

Publications

Contact