Rank: Forum user 
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Here's a strange one...........
Just received a call from the British Institute of Advanced Motorists regarding a cycling proficiency road safety scheme they are promoting for emlpoyees at work. The caller/salesperson cited 'our duty of care' responsibilities to our staff, adding that we have a legal responsibility to ensure they arrive at work safely.
I think I am right in what I said - there is no duty of care unless we supply the employee with the bicycle and that he uses this as a part of his work, and/or uses it as a means of transport around our site?
Comments please?
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Rank: Forum user 
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OK, two comments...
1) Yes, you're right!
2) Are you sure he said "British Institute of Advanced Motorists"? Because if so the real Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) might be interested!
Paul
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi Paul
Yes, without a doubt. I didnt really give him a chance to explain the 'scheme' he was trying to promote.......but he did clarify he was from the British Institute of Advanced Motorists.
He pointed out that they worked with British Aerospace and othe large multi-nationals, promoting the same scheme and was adimant that our company had a duty of care to ensure the safety of staff travelling to work - despite me pointing out we dont supply bicycles to our staff..................He then went on to add that it was part of our Corporate Social Responsibility..............
Might give them a call if I find the time tomorrow
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Rank: Super forum user
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Just our of interest I Googled "British Institute of Advanced Motorists". There was no indicationin Google that this actually exists!
Chris
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Rank: Super forum user
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Just as the Association for Project Safety is moving into professional and technical areas of work which traditionally has been occupied by IOSH and dare I sat it, IIRSM, the Institute of Advanced Motorist are also moving into ground occupied by the CTC and the British Cycling’s, Everyday Cycling organisation.
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Rank: Forum user
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I don't doubt you're right, Stedman - my point was that if the chap really said "British Institute of Advanced Motorists", he's either Up To Something, or he doesn't know the name of the organisation he's working for.
The IAM does indeed offer cycle training, so the latter is a possibility.
The point remains that safe commuting per se isn't the employer's responsibility, although I can see advantages to the employer of supporting such a scheme.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Paul Duell wrote:I don't doubt you're right, Stedman - my point was that if the chap really said "British Institute of Advanced Motorists", he's either Up To Something, or he doesn't know the name of the organisation he's working for.
The IAM does indeed offer cycle training, so the latter is a possibility.
The point remains that safe commuting per se isn't the employer's responsibility, although I can see advantages to the employer of supporting such a scheme.
Sorry I can't see the point of any company supporting this scheme, they don't have a duty of care, are we also saying that it would be advantageous for employers to have all staff with driving or motorbike licences to put them through an advanced course. What about those people who run walk or use public transport what is in it for them.
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Rank: Forum user
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farrell wrote:
Sorry I can't see the point of any company supporting this scheme, they don't have a duty of care, are we also saying that it would be advantageous for employers to have all staff with driving or motorbike licences to put them through an advanced course. What about those people who run walk or use public transport what is in it for them.
Well there's certainly little in the way of an H&S advantage...but...
1) It's a staff "perk"
2) Encouraging "green" commuting is good for your Corporate Social Responsibility
3) Staff who cycle safely are less likely to not arrive at work
4) Staff who get a confidence boost with their cycling are less likely to come to work by car - good for employers who provide parking
5) Encouraging staff to improve fitness is probably good for absentee days?
And yes, 1 and 3 also apply to the Advanced Car or Motorcycle courses, although I wasn't advocating those.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Paul,
Just to expand on your last point, there is recent evidence that people who exercise regularly are less likely to fall ill with a cold, and if they do catch a cold are likely to be less ill and recover more quickly, the difference is actually fairly remarkable, more information here http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11664660
Besides, cycling is fun,
John
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks for the responses guys.
I think its obvious that the caller, despite his continued debating, did not understand the DoC obligations...............just as conerning is the fact that some representatives of the IAM are using such a claim to gain support for their scheme. Smells off to me.
Regarding cycling - I have to agree, being a cyclist myself there are many advantages to promoting such a scheme, not least the health benefits to staff and subsequent reduction in absenteeism and illhealth. Did the government not support such a scheme about 3 or 4 years ago by providing a grant to supplement the purchasing of bikes by employers...........seem to remember reading something about it
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Rank: Super forum user
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The cycle to work scheme... Still alive and kicking, tax breaks for the employer and a zero interest loan for the employee, my partner is currently eying up her next bike and has a leaflet from her employer with all the details,
John
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Rank: Super forum user
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I love cycles and ride all the time but not on our poor roads as car drivers and their passengers especially are a law unto themselves and generally, in my experience, have no respect for cyclists
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Rank: Super forum user
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quote=bob youel]I love cycles and ride all the time but not on our poor roads as car drivers and their passengers especially are a law unto themselves and generally, in my experience, have no respect for cyclists
Bob,
Not good to taint all with the same brush, in fact I would say that the majority of cyclists have a total disregard or perception of right of way both on the road and pavements to the distress of poor pedestrians!
I wonder if the cycling proficiency scheme still exists at least!
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