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Ed, one of the reasons the old proficiency doesn't work anymore is because car ownership has shot up.
Personally, I think it's mainly because it was an extremely vague test, that doesn't allow self assessment.
It was also hugely dependable on who's in charge, be it's teacher, fireman, or even council members.
edscoble
Ed, one of the reasons the old proficiency doesn't work anymore is because car ownership has shot up. One car per household was the norm when I was a kid, as a result you could get by sticking to the left. Fast forward to now, with multiple cars per room it is impossible to stick to the left.
One of the highest causes of injury to cyclists (I may be wrong) is getting car doored. Amny teachers have told me about it happening to their partners/husbands that ride. This is a sizeable perception of road danger that may stop some females from riding.
When I tell them, staying out of the way of car doors is one of the most earliest things taught, they often butt in and say, "Oh no, he's been cycling for x number of years. He's very experienced."
In a nutshell you can see how and where things can change easily....drop the ego.
I've seen (non bikeability) parents riding with their children that have done bikeability and contradict everything the child knows to be correct and usher them towards the kerb, outta sight, outta mind. Often they'll totally ignore advice suggesting a better/safer course of action for road use. It is ignorance that drives this.
I've asked this before but why when Boris ultimately funds training has he continually refused to take up the course and why does he refuse to endorse the course publically?
I would suggest this is a better way to spend your energy.