- Oxfordshire schoolchildren joined by Local Transport Minister
on Bikeability cycling training, helping more children stay
active.
- Bikeability, backed by the Department for Transport, gives
children across England the skills and confidence to cycle safely
and independently
- Follows near £300m Government boost to build 300 miles of new
cycleways and pavements, easing pressure on the NHS, helping to
deliver our Plan for Change.
Primary school children in Oxfordshire are joined by the Local
Transport Minister today for cycling training from Bikeability,
the national training scheme helping thousands of children gain
the confidence and life skills to enjoy cycling.
Bikeability, funded by the Department for Transport, is on a
mission to activate a nation of cyclists by ensuring every child
can enjoy the independence, fun and health benefits of
cycling. In Oxfordshire, the scheme is delivered by the
county council's Fire & Rescue Service Road Safety Team,
bringing a unique community spirit and knowledge to the sessions,
and has trained more than 7000 children in the county.
Today, is taking part in training
to see how the Government's commitment to get more children
cycling, walking and wheeling to school is being put into
action.
Local Transport Minister, , said:
“Cycling to school is a great way for children to stay active,
enjoy the outdoors, and build healthy habits that last a
lifetime.
“It not only supports physical and mental wellbeing, but also
helps to reduce traffic, cut carbon emissions, and ease pressure
on the NHS – a key part of our Plan for Change. This Government
is supporting more active travel across the country, with a £300
million boost this year to build hundreds of miles of new
cycleways and pavements.”
Currently, around 43% of primary and 30% of secondary school
children are driven to school across England, with school
drop-offs making up a quarter of all morning rush hour trips in
London.
The Government has committed £616 million of funding over the
next 4 years for active travel, as announced in the last Spending
Review.
This is on top of £300 million announced in February, which is
expected to deliver to deliver up to 300 miles of new cycle lanes
and pavements across England, save 40,000 NHS sick days and
deliver £1.4 billion in economic benefits, as part of the
Government's Plan for Change.
Emily Cherry, Chief Executive for Bikeability Trust,
said:
"Almost six million children have received Bikeability cycle
training since the programme began in 2007. Our ambition is that
no child leaves primary school without Level 2 on-road cycle
training, which we know has a lasting impact on safety,
confidence and behaviour. With a record nearly half a million
(430,000+) children taking part in Cycle to School Week, this
success reflects the Government's commitment to active travel and
shows how cycling can be a safe, healthy and enjoyable choice for
families across the country."
