More pupils on course for safer cycling

More children are set to receive cycle proficiency training.

Nottinghamshire County Council is planning to run courses in more schools, and hopes a government grant will cover the £15,000 extra cost.

There are two courses — level one, covering basic cycling skills in the playground, and level two, which takes children on to roads.

Last year more than 400 Newark area pupils received training, through 37 level one courses and 16 level two courses.

They were among 2,600 children county-wide who completed cycle proficiency training, a figure the council’s senior road safety officer, Miss Xena Oliver, hopes to exceed this year.

The news was welcomed by the head of Bishop Alexander Primary School, Newark, Mr Clive Richardson, who said the course was important in giving children confidence when cycling on roads.

“When they go to secondary school they will have the option of being able to take their bike,” he said.

Last term 12 pupils, aged ten and 11, completed a cycle course.

Mr Richardson said some pupils cycled to school with their parents and they hoped to provide cycle storage at the new school, currently being built.

A teacher at Winthorpe Primary School, Mr Jamie Macintyre, said the courses could save lives.

Last term 12 pupils, aged ten and 11, completed the training. Another course is planned this term.

“It is about safety training, awareness of other road users and learning about the Highway Code,” Mr Macintyre said.

The school has recently completed its travel plan and will be providing cycle storage.

Mr Macintyre said about five pupils cycled to school but in the summer that could increase to 15 or 20.

A teaching assistant at St Peter’s Primary, East Bridgford, Mrs Monica Vaughan, is a cycle trainer with the county council.

She works at the school three days a week, and on the other two days she visits schools county-wide to provide cycle training.

“The courses make children aware of looking after their bike and making it roadworthy, taking responsibility for themselves,” she said.

All year-six pupils, aged ten and 11, have been trained and another course is scheduled for the summer for year five.

The course running costs are £300 for level two and £200 for level one.