Every child in England – including here on the Isle of Wight – will be offered cycle training, expanding on the government’s existing Bikeability training programme.
The news has been confirmed by Cycling Minister Chris Heaton-Harris and welcomed by the Island’s MP, Bob Seely.
The announcement comes at the same time as the government’s commitment to invest £20million to extend the Sustainable Transport Access Fund – of which the Isle of Wight Council has managed to secure a £450,000 investment to support more people to cycle and walk.
Chris said:
“Cycling is a fun and enjoyable way for children to get to school, the shops or see their friends. It is also environmentally friendly and has a positive impact on their mental and physical health.”
“Extending Bikeability training will inspire the next generation to take to the roads as confident and proficient cyclists and will play an important role in helping us meet our net-zero emission targets.”
Bob said:
“I welcome this announcement. This is great news for Island children who will be taught how to ride a bike safely, which is such an important skill to have.
Article continues below this advertisement “It will give our young people the confidence they need to safely travel around the Island by bike and help to make our Island greener.”
In the 70’s we all got free cycle training. Or am I missing something here??? Headline should be, Cycling training returns to schools after decades of cuts put our children at risk.
I agree entirely John, another one of those things that used to be considered ‘normal’ and expected
Kids were taught things (for free) and disciplined if they were (caught being) naughty, & in the winter we expected strong winds & rain (and even snow!) (& we used to be able to travel to Europe & get summer jobs picking fruit without all this fuss of having to get visas & health insurance)
I never thought I’d get to the stage of saying “when I was young,…….things were better”
Maybe it’s me,.. or maybe, just maybe things have got worse…
Local Bobby used to come around at least twice a year unannounced. Gave us all a bike test then tested your bike for brakes etc. Most of us had to walk home that afternoon and you presented yourself at the police house with a working bike before you could ride to school again. Do they still have bike sheds at schools to nip in for a quick snog 😉