THOUSANDS more children across Warrington are set to become more skilful, confident cyclists thanks to the renewal of a successful cycle training partnership.
After a rigorous procurement process, Bikeright has retained its contract with Warrington Borough Council to provide Bikeability cycle training in Warrington for the next four years.
It means Warrington schoolchildren can continue to benefit from high-quality cycle education, which is encouraging cycling take-up, improving children’s safety and contributing to better health and wellbeing.
Bikeability is the tradename for cycling proficiency for the 21st century, and gives children important skills for cycling on busy roads.
The rolling training programme is funded by an annual grant from the Department of Transport. All Warrington primary schools offer the beginner and elementary courses, with every Year 6 child getting access to level 2 training.
To celebrate the renewal of the partnership, Council Leader, Cllr Russ Bowden, Deputy Leader, Cllr Cathy Mitchell, and Cabinet Member for transportation, Cllr Hans Mundry, joined children at Barrow Hall Primary School for a Bikeability session.
Cllr Bowden said: “Cycling brings so many benefits – it’s a great way of staying fit and healthy, it’s a cheap, environmentally friendly way to get around – and it’s a lot of fun!
“Building sustainable travel into Warrington’s future is a key ambition within our Local Transport Plan, so it’s crucial that children are given every opportunity to become proficient cyclists at an early age, gaining vital skills that will last them a lifetime.
“That’s why it’s great news that our fantastic partnership with BikeRight will be continuing for the next four years. I’m looking forward to it giving many more local children the confidence and education they need to cycle regularly – and safely.”
Cllr Mundry added: “Giving our next generation the confidence to be skilled, safe and responsible cyclists is an important part of our vision for the future of transport in Warrington. We want to creates a place where people have a range of sustainable travel options when moving around the town.
“Our Bikeability training has been a huge success, providing thousands of young people in Warrington with invaluable cycling skills, which they can carry forward into adulthood. I’m delighted we will be continuing with this fantastic partnership.”
As part of the renewed contract, the council will now be working to increase the uptake of the more advanced courses for teenagers in high schools.
The advanced Bikeability training is perfect for year 7 and 8 students who are starting to become more independent and cycling to high school, and parents and teachers are being urged to encourage children to take it up.
More information can be found on the Bikeability Trust’s website bikeabilitytrust.org or from the council by emailing [email protected]
