Road Danger Reduction

I suspect that many people who don't cycle already fear the roads. People who cycle poorly may also FEEL they're doing something dangerous because they get squeezed a lot (hence the helmet wearing epidemic here)

Training people helps them experience cycling as a low risk activity. So the mum listing to Wigan will who says 'Cycling is a fun low risk activity which anyone can do and it could be even lower risk and more fun if you get training' may decide to let the young person ride and get training.

Haven't followed the trail back to source, but from todays bike blog post by Matt Seaton

the reason most ordinary Britons won't cycle on our roads: fear of traffic

So you probably suspect right. I always suggest it as the biggest barrier to cycling, even if it's often dismissed by others.

On the questions for cycle training, point 2) could (note, not should) be responded with a no, drivers aren't trained to expect cyclists in primary position, so reactions of confusion and anger are not uncommon.

Try this one:

Bikeability Level 3 certificate becomes a pre-requisite to obtaining a provisional driving license.