More than 200 young people have now participated in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea’s ‘Transit’ project which is designed to raise awareness of scooter safety.
The milestone was reached when the most recent batch of 20 participants passed the scooter CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) during February.
Created in 2008, Transit – a road safety programme aimed at young people over 16 years old – is designed to raise awareness of scooter safety. Participants partipate in workshops to learn practical skills relating to riding scooters, as well as important aspects of the law, the Highway Code, taking responsibility, and safety on the road.
At the end of the course participants are rewarded with the opportunity to take the scooter CBT in a supervised and safe off-road, followed by on-road, environment.
The success rate is very high, with CBT certificates being awarded to more than 90% of participants. In fact, one early participant has gone on to a borough apprenticeship and is now assisting in running the Transit courses.
A number of young people from Chelsea Youth Club participated in Transit in February 2013. One, named Iman, said: "I learnt to be safe and enjoyed going out on the road. I liked going fast but found the roundabouts scary."
Another, Joseph, added: "I learnt to balance properly on the moped and enjoyed being out on the road."
Joe, a senior youth worker from Chelsea Youth Club, said: “The whole group did really well and supported each other. This clearly showed as they were thoroughly overjoyed when they found out they had all passed at the end of the day. We look forward to getting more young people to take part in the Transit project in the future."
For more information about the programme contact Neil Simpson, RSO for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, on 020 7361 3628.
Looks like something that could be brought out throughout the country as it involves the young newbie and learners, instilling in them positive values re safe riding. Engaging, no doubt, some aspects of advanced riding techniques even though many twv cannot reach the upper speed limit required by many other organisations that specialise in such training.
Sounds similar to the old RAC/ACU training scheme that ended prematurely in the early 1970s. Keep up the good work.
bob craven Lancs
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