Year 6 pupils at Willow Tree Primary School were recently given the opportunity to develop their cycling skills by taking part in the Department for Transport’s Bikeability scheme.
Bikeability is today’s answer to cycling proficiency offering children the chance to gain practical skills and develop their understanding of how to cycle on today’s increasingly busy roads – a must for any children wanting to get out and about on their bikes.
28 children took part in the 2-day training course and came out of it not only better cyclists but with a Level 2 certificate to prove it. By the end of the course the children had learnt how to ensure their bike was road-safe; recognise typical hazards and use commonly known hand signals to ensure other road users were made aware of what they were about to do. Through practical experience on local roads they learnt where to ride on the road and how to pass parked vehicles and negotiate junctions.
The children showed real pride in their biking ability, with every child passing the course and receiving a certificate and badge.
Upper Key Stage 2 Phase Leader, Amy Dobrashian said:
To see how happy the children were at the end of their course and how full of knowledge they all were was fantastic to see!
Year 6 pupil Grace enthused about the course:
I now feel confident in riding a bike on the road.
Another pupil, Robert agreed and said:
The instructors were brilliant, and they really helped us learn new skills on our bikes and how to be safe.
