Children get on their bikes with added confidence

Devon’s Bikeability programme has hit the landmark figure of having trained 20,000 children in the county in cycling proficiency.

The county council-funded scheme, launched in 2006, is designed to give the next generation the skills and confidence to ride their bikes on today’s roads.

It has three levels, for new learners; those aged 9-10, and secondary school pupils. . The aim is to encourage greater use of cycling as a sustainable form of transport in order to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions. More than 90 per cent of parents of children taking part have said they would also cycle more as a result of their youngsters having taken part in the programme.

Cabinet member for Highways and Transportation, Councillor Stuart Hughes said: “It’s never been a better time to start cycling. There’s been so much interest following the Tour de France, British success in the Olympics and more recently the Tour of Britain, more people than ever are getting on their bikes. 

“Bikeability is a great scheme to encourage youngsters to get into cycling and I am delighted to see so many young people have benefited from the course. It gives them confidence, may encourage them to cycle to school and overall improves safety on our roads. ”

For more information on cycling in Devon or to book Bikeability courses in your school, please go to http://www.cycledevon.info/ Alternatively contact Colin Savage, Devon County Council Sustainable Travel Officer,  colin.savage@devon.gov.uk or 01392 383490.