120,000 young people have received free cycle safety training as part of Bikeability initiative

More than 120,000 young people across the Liverpool City Region have benefited from free cycle safety training over the last 15 years, it’s been announced.

To mark national Cycle to School week, a special Bikeability Level 1 cycle skills session was hosted by certified trainers at Great Crosby School in Sefton.

For more than a decade and a half, the Combined Authority and Merseytravel has supported Bikeability training for school pupils.

The scheme has helped an increasing number of young people over the years to cycle safely and with confidence – from an initial average of around of 8,000 per year to more than 13,000 in 2023.

The sessions help teach young people the practical skills and understanding they need to travel by bike including reading road signs, recognising hazards and sharing space with pedestrians and road users.

Cycle to School Week is a national initiative encouraging students to choose cycling as a fun, healthy, and environmentally friendly way to get to school.

The initiative aims to foster a love for cycling among children, promote physical activity, and reduce traffic congestion around schools. 

As well as funding Bikeability training, Mayor Rotheram and the Combined Authority are also backing a range of other initiatives to help young people cycle and walk more safely – from building new bike routes and footpaths to backing School Streets schemes which restrict car access outside school gates at drop off and pick up times.

Liverpool City Region Cycling and Walking Commissioner, Simon O’Brien said:

“It’s fantastic to be here with pupils at Great Crosby School as they learn the practical skills they’ll need to cycle safely and with confidence.

“Getting about by bike has huge benefits for people’s health and wellbeing and for the quality of air we breathe – and Cycle to School Week is an opportunity to celebrate this and encourage more young people to give it a go!”

“We have an amazing opportunity to create a whole new generation of cyclists here in our city region and whether it’s funding cycle safety training or supporting School Streets schemes, Mayor Rotheram, the Combined Authority and I are working really hard to make this happen.”

Bikeability Chief Executive, Emily Cherry said:  

“It’s fantastic to see schools across the Liverpool City Region taking part in Cycle to School Week and we’re so proud of everyone pledging to pedal. Choosing an active form of transport rather than a car is the clean, green and healthy choice. By encouraging more children to cycle we can help transform our communities to be happier and healthier.  

“The Bikeability session today at Great Crosby Catholic Primary School shows that cycle training is the key to giving children the skills, confidence and transport choice. We can’t wait to see these children bring the fun to the school run with pedal power!” 

Find out more about the Bikeability scheme here.

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