Cycling England’s Mid-term Review
"The progress of Bikeability, the Government’s national cycle training programme, shows that Cycling England is on target to train half a million children by 2012. The scheme is now provided by most local authorities in England, equipping children with the skills and confidence to tackle the modern road."
"Changing behaviour
However, Bikeability is just the first step. Although there is evidence that as many as two thirds of children are cycling more after completing their Bikeability training1, it is clear that a package of measures is required to achieve a step-change in children cycling.
While training is fundamental to safety, skill and reassurance for parents, other barriers must also be tackled. It helps to have a champion for cycling within a school – to enthuse parents and teachers and tackle all the school’s local issues, for example there must be safe cycle parking available to lock up children’s bikes, and there needs to be a safe route to the school if children are to use their new skills to make their first journeys.
To turn cycling from an activity into a lifetime habit, there need to be further opportunities created to enjoy cycling – from after-school cycling clubs taking advantage of the extended school day, to BMX tracks or weekend bike rides."
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