Falkirk schools urged to sign up for free cycle safety training

Pupils at Bantaskin Primary School have joined over 50,000 students across the country who are taking advantage of Bikeability Scotland’s fully funded on-road cycle training.

The national cycle training programme for school children, Bikeability Scotland equips youngsters with the skills and confidence to make everyday trips by bike.

Paid for by Cycling Scotland through grant funding from Transport Scotland, the programme promotes road safety and active lifestyles and is free for pupils, who have seen improved their hazard awareness and gained more confidence on their bicycles.

Bantaskin Primary School is one of the latest schools in Falkirk to deliver Bikeability Scotland training to children in Primary five through to primary seven.

David Collins, Bikeability Scotland manager, said: “Every schoolchild should have the opportunity to benefit from Bikeability Scotland training and so we’re calling on teachers in Falkirk to contact their local coordinator to say they’d like to replicate what is being achieved at Bantaskin Primary and deliver it in their own school.

“We’ve made the process of accessing the free training for instructors as easy as possible. All materials including pupils’ guides, certificates, badges and information for parents are provided. Even bikes can be supplied for the training period.

“We’d love to see more schools in Falkirk take advantage of this free training programme, as our experience shows us that children and their parents come away feeling motivated with their newfound skills and confidence.”

A Bantaskin Primary School spokesperson said: “I’m very proud to see the progress the children have made and especially how the on-road training has developed their confidence and attitudes to cycling and road safety.

“In Level 1 training we have watched non-cyclists become cyclists, with others developing their bike handling skills. Level 2 training has allowed our pupils to learn how to ride safely on the road.”

Schools interested in delivering Bikeability Scotland training are encouraged to contact their local coordinator now to begin arranging training sessions in spring.

Visit the website for more information.