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@greasyboy
I am a qualified cycle instructor. Yes, training as far as I can see is the most important step to make cycling safer. As part of the training, you have to 'do' the course. Even as an experienced cyclist, it has made my cycle journeys easier and, I would think, safer. I would recommend it.
Cycling is so often seen as a cheap form of transport. Not only from drivers' point of view - no tax, shouldn't be on the road etc, but also by cyclists themselves. For example bicycles are often poorly maintained. People seem reluctant to fork out for a yearly service. Before every training session, we do a bike check which throws up all kinds of horrors. Pretty much every day I see cyclists, often children, with v-brakes flapping open. So I'd also like to see basic maintenance promoted.
Unfortunately this 'cheap' idea means that cyclists are unlikely to want to pay for training especially if they think they are already good cyclists. And those who are prepared to spend money may not go for it as it is not tangible. And they're saving up for the next bit of bling for their bike. Training needs to be seen as being desirable and maybe even fashionable?!