National recognition for cycle training scheme

Shropshire County Council’s highly successful Cycle Training Awareness Scheme has been provisionally accredited to the National Standard under the Bikeability scheme.

Bikeability is the new cycling training scheme which aims to get more people cycling, more safely, more often and is designed to help children gain the skills and confidence to ride their bikes on today's roads.

From Easter 2008, all the cycle training courses delivered in primary schools by the council’s team of cycle instructors will be to national standards. Pupils will receive “Bikeability” badges, certificates, and booklets if they successfully reach the standard.

The training is divided into different levels. Level one is held off-road, usually on the playground, and concentrates on basic bicycle handling skills with exercises and fun games in a traffic free environment. Level two develops cycling skills in a traffic free environment before progressing on quiet local roads with real traffic conditions.

The first Bikeability courses will be at Criftins CE Primary School near Ellesmere and Longden CE Primary School near Shrewsbury. The team then have a full schedule throughout the summer term.

People can find out more about Bikeability, the national standard or book the team to deliver cycle training for their school or other youth organisation, by contacting Shropshire County Council’s cycle training co-ordinator on 01743 253266.

26 March 2008