BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Evans Cycles is launching its own road safety training scheme, named Ride Smart.
Based on the Cycling England-managed Bikeability, Ride Smart will operate as a new division of Evans, with four levels of training available.
The riding will be available to anyone, but those that buy from Evans will receive incentives. Level one training will be offered free with the purchase of a bike, while the other three will be discounted when a bike is bought.
Evans told BikeBiz that trial sessions will start on November 9th at Evans’ London Bridge and Spitalfields stores. Two weeks later Ride Smart will launch at both of those shops to paying customers before rolling out to central London Evans Cycles stores and then in all locations by next spring.
The firm said: "Ride Smart training sessions will run daily from local stores, with the aim to make road safety training accessible to everyone and provide people with the necessary skills and confidence to ride their bike on the road. The courses cover all levels, from complete beginners to those who need one to one guidance on a particular cycle route."
Evans is canvassing opinion prior to the launch of Ride Smart through an online survey. Those participating before November 12th will be in with a chance of winning £100 of Evans vouchers.
The levels of training are:
Level 1 – Off road training for those who have just learnt to ride and need to the confidence to move on to the road.
Level 2 – On road training, teaches you how to handle real road situations
Level 3 – Advanced skills to handle busy roads, roundabouts and junctions.
Level 4 – One to one training on a chosen route of your choice.
