Yes, kids in Dutch schools have a bike riding exam where they are supposed to ride a predefined route obeying all the traffic rules. Every 300-400 meters there are checkpoints where examination team observes the kids to make sure they follow the rules.
by pavel_vishnyakov
6 Comments
haha nice, had something similar while in elementary school in czechia
In Poland, kids in 4th grade (10 y.o.) have subject: “Traffic Safety”, in the end of May or in the beginning of June there is an exam, written part with questions similar to driving license test (but more focus on pedestrian, cyclist and e-scooter safety), and a practical part. Those who pass the exam receive “karta rowerowa” (bicycle license), a document that is necessary for minors to ride bicycle or e-scooter on public roads.
Britain used to have the cycling proficiency in schools, but since Britain decided to go motorist-first, all this has been dropped.
It is not just a one off event either. A few times a year, we get a message to have our kids bring their bike to school on a certain date. The first few times they just ride around the school yard, but pretty soon they go on to the open road.
Estonia requires all 10-15 old kids who cycle on public roads or cycle paths to have a training (20 hours or more), to pass an exam and to carry a permit.
Everybody is ignoring this requirement. I had one child pass the training + exam, his comment was “boring and useless”.
I believe a short course on traffic rules and cycling safety for all cycling kids would be useful. We have many children cycling / kick-biking to schools and using a cycle / scooter for daily transportation. Incidents happen and our cycling infrastructure is quite unsafe.
Kudos to the Dutch! 🙂
That’s amazing