Cressage schoolchildren the first in Shropshire to try balance bike cycle training

Young children have had their first experience of cycling through balance bike sessions at Christ Church CE Primary School, Cressage, the first primary school in Shropshire to take up the offer of Bikeability Balance training.

Bikeability in Cressage

Bikeability Balance is a series of four school-based sessions designed for children in Reception, Year 1 and 2. Using balance bikes (bike without pedals) children get to grips with balance, which is often the hardest part of learning to ride a bike without stabilisers.

Involving fun games and activities, the training provides a positive early experience of being on two wheels. The training equips the children with the skills that they will need to take part in Bikeability Level 1 and 2, which are delivered in Key Stage Two.

Using qualified and experienced local instructors, Learncycling working with WSP are delivering Bikeability Balance on behalf of Shropshire Council.

Bikeability in Cressage

Steve Davenport, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways and transport, said:-

“Balance bikes have proved a very effective way to help young children balance and steer. It’s fantastic that Shropshire Council’s public health team have been able to help the scheme get off to a flying start by funding a fleet of balance bikes and helmets for schools to access.

“Teaching children cycling skills early on is very important for their confidence and ultimately their safety. The sessions will provide the children with valuable exercise and a positive early introduction to cycling as a fantastic form of physical activity.”

Tracey Cansdale, Headteacher, said:

“We are so pleased to be taking part in Bikeability Balance: children can always keep their feet in contact with the floor, so they needn’t be scared of falling and they don’t need to be restricted by bothersome stabilizers. This really helps their confidence and makes the balance bike so easy for them to use. All can take part.

“The older children have had a brilliant time completing Bikeability Level 1 and 2 this week. It’s the younger children’s turn now. There are lots of happy faces as they play ‘Grandma’s Footsteps’ on the balance bikes.

“We also involved an older child who was unable to ride a bike, and in just one session can now keep the bike balanced. This means she will be able to take part in Level 1 training with her friends which needs the ability to ride without stabilisers. The instructors are very encouraging and supportive.”

Miranda Ashwell, from Shropshire Council’s public health team, said:

“Cycling is a low-impact, healthy exercise and a great activity that can be enjoyed by any age group – from young children to older adults. It’s brilliant for children as it cheap, fun and helps them get the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity per day, which one third of children don’t currently achieve. Learning to ride is a wonderful milestone for children, giving them confidence and skills to build physical activity into lives for the future. I’m delighted we are able to support young children to get this early start which encourages them to be active for life.” 

Bikeability – with Lenny the Lion

Dave Rolfe, Learncycling, said:

“We are delighted to deliver Bikeability Balance as part of our programme of Bikeability cycle training in Shropshire. We see Bikeability Balance as a fantastic preparation for Bikeability Level 1 and 2 training (training on quiet roads), which has been a success story in Shropshire since it was first introduced 10 years ago. We look forward to hearing from more schools wishing to introduce this exciting training.”

Shropshire schools wanting more information about Bikeability Balance, please contact admin@learncycling.com.

Further information

Why deliver Bikeability Balance?

Bikeability Balance is a fun activity that helps children learn how to cycle.

Bikeability research has found that 40% of 6 year olds are unable to ride a bike. Part of the reason for this is that children often get stuck using a bike with stabilisers or a tricycle, and are unable to progress easily to using a bike without stabilisers. By using balance bikes with no pedals, Bikeability Balance sessions focus on developing balance, rather than the ability to pedal. Achieving this helps children make the transition to using a bike with pedals.

Other benefits of Bikeability Balance include learning gross motor skills, which can accelerate other types of learning and improving early years fitness.

How is Bikeability Balance delivered?

• It is delivered by Bikeability Instructors qualified to National Standard for Cycle Training.
• It is usually delivered as four 45-minute sessions per class, spaced 1 week apart, but can be delivered in up to 6 shorter sessions.
• Sessions can take place indoors or outdoors
• Children may use their own balance bikes but balance bikes can also be provided. Children will not be able to use bikes with stabilisers, or scooters.
• Sessions are delivered to a maximum group size of six children.

What will the children learn?

Sessions are interactive and fun. Children will learn to:

• Identify parts of a balance bike
• Get on and off a balance bike comfortably
• Set off with control
• Push and glide
• Stop with control a) with feet, b) with brake
• Make the bike go where they want
• Be aware of surroundings (look around).

Children may also be taught how to pedal using a pedal bike.

After the training sessions have been completed, children will be awarded a Bikeability Balance sticker and certificate. 

Although DfT funding is not currently available to Shropshire Council, we consider the introduction of the Bikeability Balance module highly beneficial with aspirations to roll out Bikeability Balance within as many Pre and Primary schools across the county as possible.

Bikeability Balance is delivered to schools at contract cost price, with schools then having the option of either funding themselves or passing all or some of the cost on to parents.