Funding award will see extra 120 pupils receive cycle training

Shropshire Council has been awarded extra funding that will mean an additional 120 primary school pupils will receive free cycle training this year.

The funding from the Bikeability Trust will mean that 2606 pupils will receive Level 2 or Level 1-2 combined Bikeability training in the year 2023/24. This means that 80% of year 6 pupils in the Shropshire Council area – the maximum number that can be funded – will receive cycle training this year.

Level 1 and 2 Bikeablity training gives older children the opportunity to learn the skills needed to travel to school safely on a bike.

The funding is part of Government plans to ensure that every child receives Bikeability training by the time they finish primary school – an aim shared by the council.

In Shropshire Bikeability is provided by Shropshire Council in in partnership with Learn Cycling, Shropshire’s cycle training provider.

Kirstie Hurst-Knight, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for children and education, said:

“This is great news. Teaching children cycling skills early on is very important for their confidence and ultimately their safety and this funding will enable us to continue providing this valuable training.

“Bikeability training builds from learning skills on the playground to completing independent journeys and provides children with valuable exercise and a positive early introduction to cycling as a fantastic form of physical activity.”

For more information about Bikeability training visit the Shropshire Council website.