Scilly’s children benefit from Bikeability scheme

Children from across the Isles of Scilly have been working hard during the summer holidays to achieve the nationally recognised Bikeability certification, the modern equivalent of the old Cycling Proficiency qualification. 

Cycling instructors Jackie Eason and Martin Beck from Cycle Training Cornwall, spent 3 days on the islands working in partnership with colleagues from the Council of the Isles of Scilly to deliver age and ability appropriate sessions across three levels to a total of 58 cyclists ranging in age from 4 to 11.

Funded by the Isles of Scilly Community Safety Partnership as part of plans to improve road safety, 31 children successfully completed their level 1 award where they were taught basic skills, hand signals and road safety manoeuvres in a fun and controlled environment. Twenty-two students spent 2 days on the road negotiating junctions, parked cars and other hazards, including very inclement weather, to earn their level 2 certificate.

Feedback from both parents and children who took part was universally positive with one mother commenting, “we arrived with stabilisers and left without them! The Bikeability course far exceeded my expectations and Martin and Jackie were brilliant instructors. I have one very happy and confident cyclist!”

Plans are already in place to repeat Bikeability in the near future as well as to offer more advanced cycle handling sessions to teenagers and adults.