Forget all the statistics, and especially forget all the VC proselytizing... the latter which does not occur at the LAB classes (and why Forester acutually removed his endorsement of them).

Now is it possible that experienced cyclists tend to have better success on the roads than less experienced cyclists? If we agree that this is the case, is it possible to gain experience faster by taking a training course or is the school of hard knocks the only way. (gee, this gives pause as to whether any form of training has any benefit what so ever...)

If we can agree that some form of training may benefit those who are trained, and that those that have some form of training or experience have better success on the roads than cyclists without training or experience... then the training HAS benefits.

Bear in mind we are NOT talking VC training in the LAB classes... we are talking cyclist "basic training." Simple common sense stuff that anyone can learn... given enough time. But like any other situation.... training simply offers the knowledge in a easy to digest manner. Just like learning to read, or write, or drive.

That's all there is to this.