Central Bedfordshire teachers impart new skills to encourage student cycling
Friday, 1 March 2024
Teachers in Central Bedfordshire have been busy passing on their new skills to pupils who are learning to cycle and boost their confidence on balance bikes and pedal cycles.
This follows bespoke training from The Bikeability Trust’s pilot project ‘Get Cycling in Schools’.
In October, teachers from eight Central Bedfordshire schools received practical and virtual training sessions, and printed resources to help plan lessons and activities for their students.
As part of The Bikeability Trust’s funding, schools also received helmets and balance bikes for pupils to learn the basic cycling skills before going on to take more advanced training with a Bikeability instructor.
The pilot received overwhelmingly positive feedback, and many pupils learnt the important life skill of being able to ride a bike, thanks to their teachers.
Mrs Gaynor Pinn, a key stage two teacher from one of the participating schools, Sutton Lower School, said:
We have really enjoyed implementing Bikeability with our early years foundation stage children. The children have fun during the sessions, and it is fantastic to see their improvement. Not only are they exercising but they are also developing important skills such as coordination.
Councillor Tracey Wye, our Executive Member for Sustainability and Climate Resilience said:
Learning to ride a bike really is a life skill and I am thrilled to see more young people enjoying the freedom and fun of cycling thanks to the dedication of their teachers. The Bikeability Trust's 'Get Cycling in Schools' pilot project is having a positive impact in Central Bedfordshire, which I hope will continue to grow as more teachers embrace this opportunity, equipping themselves with the skills to nurture the next generation of confident and safe cyclists.
Initiatives like this not only promote physical activity but also instil lifelong habits of health and independence among our children whilst encouraging more sustainable travel.
Bikeability training is available for all schools and teaches children how to grow more confident with each turn of the pedal. For more information email travelchoices@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.