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Today, March 26th, marks the fifth birthday of national cycle training programme Bikeability.
Bikeability – the 21st century version of Cycling Proficiency – has seen over 750,000 children in England be trained up to its Level 2 since its official launch on 26th March 2007.
Department for Transport rules have ben loosened so that more children will be able to go on to Bikeability Level 3 – designed to equip young riders for the busier roads and more complicated junctions they are likely to encounter on their way to and from secondary school.
There are over 350 cycle training scheme currently registered to deliver Bikeability and more than 6,000 people trained as instructors.
Recent landmarks include the scheme reaching into Scotland, and the continued existence of the programme despite the end of Cycling England.
"The impact of cycle training is that children are far more likely to cycle to their friend’s houses, the shops and to school. Increasing numbers of primary schools offer the training to Year 5s so that children can cycle to school in their last year, but cycling to secondary schools is more likely to benefit.
"On its 5th birthday, Bikeability is in good health and growing strongly. It continues to grow and develop in the hope that the next generation of bike riders will ride their bikes – safely – for pleasure, for fitness, for getting about and for fun for the rest of their lives."
Find out more at the Bikeability site here.
