More Reading children than ever before are to be offered the opportunity
to take up national standard cycle training, thanks to an extension of
'Bikeability' courses available over the coming year.
'Bikeability' is designed to give the next generation of children the
skills and confidence to ride their bikes safely on today's roads, as well
as being a healthy and fun activity which provides great value for money
for parents.
The training programme was first offered to students in Reading in 2009/10
and was run alongside the existing volunteered cycle training programme.
More than 480 children have so far been trained through 'Bikeability,'
across 18 schools and 9 holiday clubs.
Coalition led Reading Borough Council is now proposing to continue an agreement with the
CTC Charitable Trust - an organisation with great experience in developing
national standard cycle training - for the organisation to be the sole
provider of Bikeability training on behalf of the Council in the coming
year (2011/12).
The agreement will mean a significant increase cycle training in Reading
for 10 to 12 year olds, with the aim of making national standard training
available to all students in Years 5,6 and 7 who want to participate.
The courses provide tremendous value for money for parents. While they
cost £50, all children need is a road-worthy bike, a cycle helmet and to
contribute £10 towards the cost of the course - the rest of the cost is
covered by Reading Borough Council through a grant secured from the
Department for Transport. In addition, Reading Borough Council will pay
the remaining fifth for those students from families on free school meals.
Richard Willis, Reading's Lead Conservative Councillor for Planning and Transport,
said: 'Bikeability is a fantastic scheme which helps to ensure that young
people have the confidence to ride safely on Reading's roads."
Bikeability is a programme delivered through qualified instructors who
meet national standards. The agreement with the CTC Charitable Trust also
includes additional services run by the CTC which could include the
organisation and running of events or competitions to reward course
participants. Richard added that he was pleased
that the Coalition led council in Reading are able to extend the scope of the training in partnership with
the CTC Charitable Trust".
A national survey of nearly 1,000 parents and children nationwide who had
participated in the 'Bikeability' programme found that 95% of parents felt
it was important that their child had the opportunity to participate in
such training, and more than 95% were satisfied with the training offered.
Over 85% of parents and children surveyed felt more confident about (the
children) cycling on the road and around 50% of the children said they
cycled more often following Bikeability training.
Reading Conservatives are delighted to be helping local familes and encouraging children to use alternative transport.