Funding secured for Bikeability cycle training in Devon

More than 8,800 school pupils across Devon will be able to receive Bikeability cycle training this year after a successful funding bid by Devon County Council.

Just over £283,000 has been secured from the Department for Transport in order to deliver Bikeability and adult cycle training.

Bikeability provides children with important skills to help them cycle more safely and more often. Devon County Council has now helped over 70,000 children take part in the free training since 2006.
   
Secondary schools are also being reminded that they are able to host free Bikeability Level 3 courses, which is the final stage of the training. This equips trainees with skills for more challenging roads and situations where traffic is busier, in order to understand driver blind spots and how to pass queuing traffic. Level 3 training is delivered in groups of up to three.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for cycling, said: “Bikeability training is providing the next generation of cyclists with important skills and road safety awareness that they’ll be able to use for the rest of their lives, so it’s good news that we’ve secured more funding to train another 8,800 young people across Devon. We’re also keen for secondary schools to host our Level 3 Bikeability courses and would encourage schools to find out how to take part.”

Adults can also sign up for free two-hour cycle confidence sessions to either help learn to ride a bike or brush up on cycling skills. Sessions also cover tips for riding as a family and provide advice on suitable routes.

For more information go to https://www.traveldevon.info/cycle/cycle-training/

Alternatively email cycletraining@devon.gov.uk or call 0345 155 1004.