Heysham youngsters get Lessons in Safer Cycling
Children from a Heysham primary school have received special praise after they battled through hail and snow to learn how to cycle safely and sensibly.
Children from a Heysham primary school have received special praise after they battled through hail and snow to learn how to cycle safely and sensibly.
On March 6 the pupils from one of the district's Bike It Schools, Mossgate primary, will pick up certificates and badges to mark their achievement. They are among the 137 children from Sustrans Bike It schools across the district who have already taken part in Bikeability training.
The scheme is funded by Lancaster City Council's Cycling Demonstration Town project and delivered by Pedal Power, the bicycle recycling and training organisation.
Coun Eileen Blamire, cabinet member with responsibility for cycling, said: "Learning to cycle is a rite of passage for many young people and we want to ensure they can reap the benefits and enjoy the pleasures cycling can bring safely.
"Hopefully the training they have been given through the Bikeability scheme will encourage more to cycle to school and enjoy the excellent network of cycle paths we enjoy in the district."
Bikeability is the Cycling Proficiency Test for the 21st century and is designed to give the next generation the skills and confidence to ride their bikes on today's roads. It follows the National Standard for Cycle Training, which sets out the skills needed for cyclists to be competent and confident using their bikes for all sorts of journeys.
Another 250 children are expected to complete Bikeability training by the end of the school year. For the children at Mossgate, the training proved especially tricky as it coincided with the advent of heavy sleet and snow.
Anna Redfearn of Pedal Power, added: "I have been very impressed with the enthusiasm shown by both the schools and pupils who have taken part in Bikeability.
"The children at Mossgate primary were particularly inspiring with the way they coped with some horrible weather conditions."
Other schools taking part in the scheme have included: Ellel St John's, Sandylands, Willow Lane, Moorside and St Patrick’s Primary Schools.
Date Updated: 19/03/09