PROJECT RIDE PROGRAM
What is the Project Ride Training Program?
Project Ride is an auxiliary cycle training course that enables teenagers to acquire their Bermuda Youth License. This complimentary program is directed by the Transport Control Department together with the Department of Education, and is sponsored by the Road Safety Council.
How old must one be to participate in the Project Ride Course?
Enrollment can occur from the age of 15 ½ years old, however 3 months of turning 16 is preferred. The Bermuda Youth License which is acquired at 16 years old and expires 3 months after the holder’s eighteenth birthday.
What does the course cover?
This 12 hour course introduces students to various aspects of road use, traffic laws, as well as emphasizing on correct and safe procedures for dealing with Bermuda’s congested roads.
Topics covered include:
- Basic cycle maintenance
- How to communicate with other road users
- How to read road signs and markings
- A system of cycle control
- Safe positioning and following distances
- Correct braking and acceleration procedures
- How to negotiate corners and junctions
- Roundabouts, skid prevention and overtaking
- Road sense, courtesy and responsibility
- Licensing/insuring a cycle, laws governing road use, and common traffic offences
What are the advantages of doing Project Ride Training?
Upon successful completion of the course, candidates are offered a 10% discount on their cycle insurance, and receive school credit (Only applies to Cedarbridge Academy and Berkeley Institute).
This course cannot by itself teach students to be responsible road users. This can only be accomplished through the commitment of dedicated Project Ride Instructors, parents, and guardians who reinforce the importance of responsible road behavior.
The Project Ride Training Program is operated on the basis of explanation, demonstration, student practice,
and corrective instruction. This means that for every skill that is taught:
- Your instructor will EXPLAIN what will be required of you in the session
- Your instructor will DEMONSTRATE the skill to be learned on the circuit
- You will PRACTICE what your instructor demonstrated
If you do not perform the skill satisfactorily, your instructor will give CORRECTIVE INSTRUCTION and/or a further demonstration, pointing out the improvements that can be made.
As stated, there are no fees associated with the Project Ride Program. However, once you have signed up with an instructor, you MUST COMPLETE the entire program with that instructor!!! Also, it’s more beneficial if you are consistent with your training.
Rules of the Project Ride Training Program must be adhered to and you must follow the instructor’s directions and safety precautions at all times. Failure to do so will result in the immediate expulsion from the program. Candidates are encouraged to come with a positive mindset and if possible bring their own helmet to the Project Ride Training lessons.
To be successful you must:
- Complete the training comprised of 4 hours of theory lessons and 8 hours of practical lessons
- Passed the TCD Project Ride theory exam
- Passed the TCD practical exam
Once you complete the Project Ride Program and have obtained your Bermuda Youth License you must adhere to the following restrictions which are stated in The Auxiliary Bicycles Act 1954:
Prohibition from carrying passenger
9B (1) No person under the age of eighteen years shall drive an auxiliary bicycle with a passenger, and
Restricted driving hours
9C (1) No person under the age of eighteen years shall drive an auxiliary bicycle between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
The penalties for disobeying the restrictions as stated in the Traffic Offences (Penalties) Act 1976 are:
- A $300 fine
- 5 to 7 demerit points
- A possible six month ban from riding on the roads