12/08/2025 - Permalink

Shropshire one of top 10 councils for Bikeability cycle training

Related topics: Children's services / Highways, transport and environmental maintenance / Partner organisations
people learning to ride bicycles

Bikeability training

Shropshire Council has been named one of the top ten councils in England for the number of children undergoing Bikeability cycle training last year – with almost 5000 children being trained.

The council is also one of just three areas to increase numbers by more than 30% in the two years from 2022/23 and 2024/25.

The figures have been revealed in the Bikeability Trust’s annual report ‘Beyond the School Gates’.

They show that 4,816 Shropshire children received Bikeability level 1, 2, 3 and Plus training in the year 2024/25, including those who received training as part of the HAF programme (Holiday Activities and Food programme).

The training was funded through a grant to Shropshire Council of £191,121.

Robert Jones, Shropshire Council’s deputy Cabinet member for economic growth and transport, said:

“Teaching children cycling skills early on is very important for their confidence and ultimately their safety and it’s brilliant that so many Shropshire children received Bikeability training last year.

“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.”

Bikeability is delivered by Shropshire Council’s partner Learn Cycling.

Keith Jepson, MD of Learn Cycling, said:

“Learn Cycling are delighted to partner with Shropshire Council and the Bikeability Trust to deliver Bikeability training in Shropshire. We are passionate about cycling and active travel, offering children an essential life skill. Cycling is the solution to many modern issues including obesity, sustainability, congestion and health issues…plus it’s fun!

“Feedback from schools, parents and children continues to be excellent and we look forward to training more children in the coming academic year.”

The Bikeability Trust chief executive Emily Cherry said:

“As we approach almost six million children trained, it’s clear we’re delivering on our mission to activate a nation of cyclists. This year’s report shows how we’re increasing access to cycles for those one in four children who still don’t have their own, and inspiring children with skills and confidence for a lifetime.”

Further information

The Beyond the School Gates report shows that exactly 500,000 Bikeability Level 1, 2, 3 and Plus places were booked across the country in 2024/25 – an increase of 13,000 on the previous year – with children spending three million hours doing Bikeability training.

The top-performing councils for Bikeability training in 2024-25 were:

  • Hull City Council
  • Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council
  • Rutland County Council
  • Lancashire County Council
  • Plymouth City Council
  • North East Lincolnshire Council
  • Kirklees Council
  • North Lincolnshire Council
  • Wakefield Metropolitan District Council
  • Shropshire Council