What does LCC think about Bikeability and cycle training?

Brill! I've spent about an hour and a half looking through some of those links and posts here. Very illuminating stuff, so much to think about- especially the false them (training) and us (separation) camps. Very nice to see comment sections that haven't descended into the usual depressing directions.

Has Boris nailed his colours to the mast in terms of supporting cycle training? Or rather is he prepared to continue to fund cycle training? I'm guessing the tory stance is they'd prefer the 'big society' to pick up the tab for free and rely on the goodwill of volunteers to provide it? If cycling to school uptake has not increased I think its a bit of a stretch to deem Bikability a failure, I've just had a brief look on the website and it does'nt appear to have a stated aim of increasing cycling to school, but rather to increase cycling skills and confidence on todays roads. Also do all schools even have facilities for cyclists? And if the numbers cycling to school are so low, then from a cost perspective the schools may deem investment in bike sheds a low priority and not the best use of their limited funds. If cycle training alone is not enough to coax the masses onto their bikes then other options need looking at and should be welcomed, in addition to, and not instead of sklls training. If large sections of the population are crying out for some segregated roads and it gets them on bikes when they otherwise would'nt consider it, why not?.

It's been mentioned before but there is pretty much zero cycle culture in most schools. We instructors are looked at like aliens who any combo of: nutters/brave/societal oddities.
Today a teacher told me she drives 8minutes to school...

One reason for potentially low uptake in courses is the poor literature sent out to parents that do assuge their prejudice and fears of the road and what their children will be learning. (Something I'm working on.)

Another is teachers aren't seen cycling so it's not seen as a normal activity, unless you get a teacher that is really into cycling and very keen. Most teachers pay complete lip service to it- as Will said- they've been known to ban misbehaving children. They do not see it as part of life skill.

"so because little Johnny could keep quiet during assembly, he doesn't deserve to learn how to use local roads safely when out on his bike on saturday?"

I think when adults see what is taught, they are generally pleasantly surprised at the course content and give it a little more respect.

If Mum and Dad don't see what we teach, they have no idea how good or bad their child may be. Therefore they're not in the position to correct or praise and live in ignorance. Until we get more parents doing courses I'm not sure what changes we will see. There also has to be a big tightening of legal measures against poor/aggresive drivers to coax those that are just thinking about it.

Most say it's too dangerous to to cycle, so they know there must be a problem on our roads yet there is so much opposition to anything but the status quo. I'm confused.