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Institute of Advanced Motorists launches membership scheme for cyclistsIAM_logo.gif

Institute of Advanced Motorists launches membership scheme for cyclists

Road safety charity lets you say "I am not a cyclist; I am an IAM cyclist"...
by Simon_MacMichael
Fri, Feb 04, 2011 12:32
6

On the same day that national cyclists’ organisation CTC said that growth in the number of cyclists lay behind a rise in the number of casualties among riders, road safety charity the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has been in touch to let us know details of their newly-launched cyclist membership scheme.

Despite the name, IAM doesn’t just focus on drivers and has long run courses aimed at cyclists looking to improve their skills, and growth in cycling has led to it now offering membership specifically targeted at bike riders.

Called IAM Cycling, membership costs £15 a year and brings benefits including IAM’s “How to be a better cyclist” book, which normally costs £9.99, free first-year cover under the IAM “Total Cycle Assist” insurance policy, usualy £15 a year, providing assistance and cover in the event of an accident, although third party liability cover isn’t included, 10% discount vouchers for Halfords and a hi-viz drawstring bag worth £9.

Duncan Pickering, IAM Cycling Development Manager, said: “Cycling enthusiasts are clearly skilled in negotiating the many hazards on the UK’s roads, however, a large number of cyclists have not had any formal training, which puts them at greater risk. A lot of incidents on our roads are due to hesitation and uncertainty.

“We aim to raise the bar of cycling standards across the board with this new scheme. All members receive a user-friendly guide titled, “How To Be A Better Cyclist”, which champions the idea of cyclists taking up a primary position on the road.

“The aim is to highlight a cyclist’s right to ‘claim their lane’ and where safe and appropriate to assert themselves (such as when approaching a junction), pushing out further into the lane and making themselves visible to drivers.

He added: “Mastering a more assertive and informed style of cycling is definitely something we believe keeps cyclists and motorists safer on our roads.”

Full details of the membership package are available on the IAM website.
 

Institute of Advanced Motorists
IAM Cycling Membership
IAM
Simon MacMichael

Simon joined road.cc as news editor in 2009 and is now the site’s community editor, acting as a link between the team producing the content and our readers. A law and languages graduate, published translator and former retail analyst, he has reported on issues as diverse as cycling-related court cases, anti-doping investigations, the latest developments in the bike industry and the sport’s biggest races. Now back in London full-time after 15 years living in Oxford and Cambridge, he loves cycling along the Thames but misses having his former riding buddy, Elodie the miniature schnauzer, in the basket in front of him.

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6 comments

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thereverent | 13 years ago
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I started looking with ineterest at what the IAM membership gave you and it seems to be very little.
Surely you would be better of buy Cyclecraft and joining the LCC or CTC. I though they would at least include 3rd party insurance (as for a cyclist it costs very little).

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Michael5 replied to thereverent | 13 years ago
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thereverent wrote:

I started looking with ineterest at what the IAM membership gave you and it seems to be very little.
Surely you would be better of buy Cyclecraft and joining the LCC or CTC. I though they would at least include 3rd party insurance (as for a cyclist it costs very little).

You mean the book and bag don't tempt you to join??
Reading the article I quickly realised I don't have a hi-viz drawstring bag... mmm must have one of those!

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TheOldCog | 13 years ago
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RAR RAR ... IAM

They make out what they are saying is somehow a revolutionary way of cycling - errr hum. We teach this every week to kids in schools, its called the UK National Standards for Cycling.

Still not sure I trust IAM any more or any less than CTC.

CTC is fast becoming a commercial organisation in disguise - from my experiences not sure all of their business operational methods are entirely ethical. Seems they represent the interests of the CTC employees first and members second.

So I think it's good that there is now some competition from IAM.

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Jon Burrage | 13 years ago
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Jeez thats scary.

Having worked with an IAM driving instructor who had 30 years experience as a traffic policeman I would worry about this scheme. His, experienced, opinion was that cyclists SHOULDNT be on the road. They delay traffic and should make use of the cycle paths that drivers pay for - his words.

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Cunobelin replied to Jon Burrage | 13 years ago
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Jon Burrage wrote:

Jeez thats scary.

... His, experienced, opinion was that cyclists SHOULDNT be on the road. They delay traffic and should make use of the cycle paths that drivers pay for - his words.

What is worrying is that such a ridiculous and erroneous position is held by a driving instructor!

Perhaps I can explain why cyclists don't use cycle tracks:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38IefUgHlZI

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PhilRuss replied to Jon Burrage | 12 years ago
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Jon Burrage wrote:

Jeez thats scary.

Having worked with an IAM driving instructor who had 30 years experience as a traffic policeman I would worry about this scheme. His, experienced, opinion was that cyclists SHOULDNT be on the road. They delay traffic and should make use of the cycle paths that drivers pay for - his words.

Scary indeed, John Burrage. Cyclists ARE traffic, and of course motor vehicles delay ME when I'm cycling. I imagine you must have put these points to the driving instructor you worked with...did he respond at all?
P.R.

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