Plymouth is the best in the country at delivering cycle training for school children – and that’s official!
The city has come top for the number of pupils taking part in Bikeability, a national programme that teaches them how to cycle confidently, safely and competently on today’s roads and equips them with a vital life skill.
More than four million children and young people across the country have received Bikeability training since it was set up by the Department for Transport in 2007.
Locally the programme is delivered by the Plymouth School Sports Partnership and between April 2022 and March 2023, 85 per cent of eligible Year 6 children in Plymouth received either Level 1 and 2 combined or Level 2 training – more than in any other local authority area.
At Level 1, riders learn to control and master their bikes in a space away from traffic, such as a playground or closed car park. Training covers all the basics, from preparing themselves and their bikes, getting on and off, controlling their bikes and awareness of other road users.
Level 2 takes place on local streets, giving trainees a real cycling experience. Trainees learn how to deal with traffic on short journeys such as cycling to school or the local shops.
Councillor John Stephens, the Council’s new walking and cycling champion, said: “We are over the moon to have topped the table for the percentage of school children receiving Bikeability cycle training. This has so many benefits – not only does it help to encourage greener and healthier travel choices but it also gives children confidence and independence, improves their risk awareness and judgement and helps them to explore the environment around them.
“A big thank-you to our schools for supporting the programme and to the instructors who work so hard in ensuring our young people are equipped with the skills and knowledge to enjoy cycling into their adult lives.”
Anna Clooke, Partnership Leader for the Plymouth School Sports Partnership said: “We are delighted to have been recognised for all the hard work that we have done to ensure that the children of Plymouth have the training that they need to ride their bikes confidently and safely and develop this life skill. This achievement is the result of the enthusiasm and skill of our instructors and the support from head teachers and staff in schools who ensure that they take up this opportunity for their pupils.”
Bikeability Trust Chief Executive Emily Cherry said: “Well done to you all, and huge thanks to our brilliant instructors and training providers across the country, who are so committed to teaching young people this essential life skill. And a special well done to our Bikeability superstars in the top performing areas.”
For more information about Bikeability training in Plymouth, as well as cycle training for adults, visit the Plymouth School Sports Partnership website.