Bikeability, a nationally funded programme that teaches children how to cycle confidently, safely and competently on today’s roads and equips them with a vital life skill, will continue in Plymouth following the successful re-tendering of the contract.
We have re-contracted Plymouth School Sports Partnership to deliver cycle training in Plymouth schools, just a few months after coming top in the country for the number of pupils taking part in the Bikeability programme.
Councillor John Stephens, our walking and cycling champion, said: “We have secured over £250,000 from Active Travel England to deliver cycle training in schools over the next financial year and we are absolutely delighted to be continuing to work with PSSP. They will hit the ground running to ensure sure as many pupils as possible can benefit from this fantastic opportunity.”
Our commitment to Bikeability ties into the wider work we are doing to support active travel for school journeys, including our Safer School Streets programme, where we are trialling timed road closures outside selected schools to create safer spaces for families to walk and cycle.
Councillor Stephens said: “Cycling can be fantastic for your health, wellbeing and keeping active and I’m keen to encourage as many residents as possible to get cycling this summer.
“Beryl e-bikes have made it easier to do this and have been a great addition to our city. Data has shown that users have swapped over half of the journeys they usually made by a car for an e-bike, which has contributed to improving our environment and providing cleaner air for Plymouth.”
This summer, to mark Clean Air Day and Show Your Stripes Day, we are launching a new event highlighting the fantastic green projects going on in Plymouth that can all be reached by either walking, cycling or public transport.
‘The Big Green Trail’ will be held on Saturday 22 June and feature a number of locations where the public can explore, take part in engaging activities and even collect treasures along the way. The trail will be supported with two free hours of free Beryl e-bike hire for everyone in Plymouth. Mark the date in your calendars and keep an eye out for further details.
Find out more about Bikeability training and cycle training for adults in Plymouth.