Bikeability - learning to cycle safely.
Cycle North came to Talbot Primary School in January to help the children learn to cycle, by taking part in the Bikeability scheme, which teaches cycle proficiency skills.
Non-riders were taught the basic skills to get them cycling independently. Every pupil who needed this level of support is now able to cycle, which is a brilliant first step, as it means they can now continue to develop this life skill.
The vast majority of pupils took part in Level 1 training, on the playground. This involved cycling with confidence and using a wide range of skills including learning the correct start position for one's feet, turning sharply, developing an awareness of others whilst in motion, looking over one's shoulder and signalling. These proprietary skills are essential for children who are going to cycle on the roads.
The overwhelming majority of children, who took part in Level 1 passed, and they were also able to take part in Level 2 cycle training. This is where the instructor teams took them cycling on the local roads, up to Allerton Grange High School and down as far as Roundhay Park. Level 2 requires extremely good awareness of one's surroundings, as children develop their road sense.
Excitingly, 17 children did so well at Level 2 that the instructor team will return in June to do their Level 3 training with them. This includes negotiating 30mph roads and more significant junctions, and means they will be more able to negotiate all the local roads in Roundhay..
The Cycle North team were incredible and the children applied themselves well, meaning that every single child can now cycle more safely and with more confidence than before. We hope this opportunity will also help them develop the habit of cycling and allow them to travel further as they get older, e.g. to commute to high school or go to the park to see their friends.
After all, cycling is healthy, liberating, affordable and good for the planet, and it reduces congestion on the roads at the same time.
