More than 3,000 children benefit from Council’s cycle training

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Road Safety team has had its busiest year yet for cycle training, with over 3,000 children taking the opportunity to do courses at school through Bikeability.

Bikeability training, delivered for the Council’s Road Safety team by BikeRight, has trained 3,392 children, 28 adults (through family courses) and 265 children with special educational needs.

Feedback during the last year has highlighted the exceptional quality of Bikeability training, from a seamless booking process to outstanding instructors who worked excellently with children.

Schools, such as Our Lady Star of the Sea in Ellesmere Port, praised the program for boosting students’ confidence and promoting cycling, describing it as invaluable and enjoyable.

Individual sessions, like those at the New Images Youth Centre in Winsford, showcased significant progress, with children overcoming initial nerves and learning to ride confidently, leaving both parents and participants highly impressed.

Overall, training sessions consistently delivered a first-class experience that combined fun, skill-building, and accessibility.

The Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Highways, Councillor Karen Shore said: “I’m so pleased to hear how well our cycle training has gone this last year. Feedback received from schools has highlighted the confidence that the training gives children and the improvement in their cycling skills.

“Learn to Ride sessions during school holiday periods have also enabled many more children to ride independently.

“It’s amazing that instructors have travelled over 3,289 miles delivering the courses. A big thank you and well done to everyone involved this year.”

As part of the borough’s plan to tackle the Climate Emergency and create greener communities the Council is encouraging residents in the borough to consider different modes of transport, especially when making short journeys such as those to and from school.

Cycling, wheeling or walking to school is a great way to build activity into the whole family’s routine, boost mental health and wellbeing, help us connect to our local environment and ease congestion outside the school gates.

Schools can find out more if they are interested in arranging Bikeability training for pupils at their school, free of charge, at: BikeRight · Cheshire West and Chester. Bikeability is funded by Active Travel England.

Adults and family training is also available for residents of the borough, more information is on the BikeRight website.

View a video below about Bikeability training that pupils at Wharton Church of England Primary School took part in recently.