Road Safety Wales : Training
The Mega Drive scheme was originally set up in Gwent in 1995 to address the very serious problem of young drivers being involved in a disproportionate number of road crashes, largely because of their inexperience. Mega Drive is delivered to college age students who will be planning on sitting their practical driving test in the not too distant future and may not be aware of all the potential hazards that come with driving on British roads
Students participating in Mega Drive visit "interactive workstations" in groups of three where they learn vital information on driving related topics. These include:
- hazard awareness
- essential documents
- crash causation
- effects and consequences of drink and drugs
- buying a new or second hand car
- what to do at the scene of a crash
Year after year the workstation that proves to be the most popular is when the students get the opportunity to get into the drivers seat. They are given the opportunity to drive around a special course whilst accompanied by an approved driving instructor. This often gives the students their first taste of what being behind the wheel is really like.
Mega Drive held in the following areas:
Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport, Torfaen, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Ceredigion, Carmarthen. To check availability contact your local Road Safety Officer
Traditionally cycle training has been undertaken off road i.e. the schoolyard, but in recent years more and more local authorities have been training children on road so that they can experience real traffic situations. This gradual change in cycle training has led to the introduction of the National Standards for Cycle Training and authorities are presently seeking to implement the Standards as an ongoing process. This process will include provision for adult cycle training. For details of the Standards click on www.ctsb.org.uk.
The Welsh Assembly Government has provided funding for CTC, The UK’s National Cyclists’ Organisation to employ a Development Officer to help local authorities increase the quality and availability of cycle training. Bursaries will be available to allow for instructors to be trained to deliver National Standards throughout Wales.
National Standards or Bikeability is a three stage training program which takes you from the basic skills of balance and manoeuvring to bespoke training to allow you to confidently cycle on all roads in your local area. CTC hold national instructor listings to help you find an instructor in Wales and can offer advice for all trainees.
For further information about becoming a National Standards Instructor in Wales please contact Gwenda Owen c/o RoSPA 2 Cwrt -Y- Parc Llanishen Cardiff CF14 5GH.
Phone 029 20750301 Mobile 07825 081097
The Welsh Assembly Government is also considering the development of cycle training and how it links in with leisure and wider transport issues. Further information about the development of cycle training in Wales will be included here in due course. In the meantime, for details of cycle training provision in a particular local authority contact the appropriate Road Safety Officer.
