Questions for the ITO group

There are a number of recognised Instructor Training Oraganisations (ITOs) across the country which are responsible for delivering National Standard Instructor Training and CPD opportunities. This group of organisations meets quarterly to help enhance and maintain the quality of National Standard Instructor Training in England. We would like to ensure that these quarterly meetings address any issues from Bikeability schemes and/or instructors and are therefore asking you to post your questions for the ITO group here. These questions can then be discussed at quarterly meetings and answers posted on the forum and/or circulated as appropriate.

Signal for stopping?

The National Standard makes provision for a discretionary signal before stopping...

Where the road is very narrow and overtaking is difficult they should
slow down gradually, where possible having first made eye contact
with any close following driver/rider and signal if appropriate.

However, what that signal should be seems to be a grey area - the methods I've come across are:

1. Highway Code / Tales of the Road style 'flappy arm'
   2.Full Left Signal
   3.Left&Down signal (point at kerb)
   4.No signal at all - concentrate on eye contact with following driver/rider
   
   

During recent SUD training, lorry drivers told us that they appreciated seeing a stop signal from cyclists, but it would be better if it was standardised. So, can this grey area in the National Standard be resolved?

My personal preference is for the left & down signal which seems to be established within groups I ride with, but I'm sure there will be other opinions and practices elsewhere!

Hi James,
Thanks for posting this question which will be taken to the ITO Group Meeting on 3rd March for discussion. The group will then post an answer.
Thanks

Conclusion: It was agreed at the ITO Group meeting that best practice when appropriate is a straight-arm Left signal.
This will be added to the delivery guide when it is updated.

Has anyone ever heard about the Erasmus + project "CycloVET" (http://www.cyclovet.eu)? The project is at the final stages and I was wondering how TAB fit in and if not, why not? One of the partners in the project is Cycling Instructor Ltd....