Record numbers take to two wheels with cycling training scheme (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Number of children using bike training scheme quadruples in first four years

7:00am Wednesday 26th December 2012 in News By Jo Winrow, City Hall Reporter

The number of the district’s youngsters learning how to ride their bikes safely has shot up to 1,000 a year under the Bikeability scheme.

It means the numbers have quadrupled since the programme was first introduced four years ago.

The training is organised by Bradford Council, which receives an annual grant from the Department of Transport, and is delivered by a team of freelance trainers.

Changes to national guidance on cycle training have been introduced to ensure children are getting the best possible advice on how to ride their bicycles safely on today’s busy and congested streets.

Tom Jones, the Council’s assistant transport planner, said that the first level of Bikeability training takes place away from traffic, but youngsters undertaking level two training are taken out on the roads to give children the skills and confidence to cycle to school.

Councillor Val Slater, the Council’s executive member with responsibility for transport, said: “Cycling is a great way for children to get around and see their friends as well as get some exercise and fresh air.

“However, it is so important that children learn how to ride safely and competently, especially on today’s roads, which are so terribly busy. This is valuable and excellent training, which we hope more and more schools will participate in.”

There is now a core of 15 working trainers delivering the Bikeability programme. Any school can apply for their pupils to receive this specialist training by contacting tom.jones@bradford.gov.uk to find out more.

Parents and pupils with an interest should ask their school if there is any opportunity to take up this training.

A number of the Bikeability team also work as trainers with the West Yorkshire go:cycling adult cycle training programme and the Learning to Travel Differently scheme based at the Bradford Bike Hub at the University of Bradford and Bradford College.

For further information on these programmes, visit the websites www.wygocycling.co.uk and www.bradfordbikehub.com.