Children at County Durham schools are discovering the joy and confidence found in riding
a bike, as part of council-funded sessions.
Delivered in a fun, positive and supportive environment, the sessions form part of Durham
County Council’s Bikeability programme being delivered in schools across the county.
Plus, the council is set to deliver a programme full of free rides, workshops, festivals and
inclusive cycling opportunities as part of Bike Month this May.
The Bikeability programme begins with balance bikes as a first step for younger children,
before then progressing to basic bicycle control and riding on quieter roads for primary-
aged pupils.
For older children, they progress to cycling on busier roads and negotiating more complex
junctions as part of secondary-age training.
For many young people, these sessions are their first experience of riding a bike, and by
focusing on balance rather than pedalling, the pupils quickly build control, coordination and
independence.
Teachers say they have seen clear benefits beyond physical development, including
improved concentration, resilience and social skills, thanks to children supporting one
another and celebrating achievements together.
Provided by the council’s Road Safety Team, with additional support from its Active Travel
team using North East CA funding, the initiative forms part of the council’s wider
commitment to early years active travel. It believes that by introducing cycling skills early, children see walking, wheeling and cycling as a normal and enjoyable part of everyday life.
Cllr Cathy Hunt, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for children and young
people’s services, said: “The importance of children feeling the joy and confidence that
comes with independence cannot be overstated, and these sessions are a step towards
that reality.
“We’re so pleased that these sessions are being received well and we hope that they are
providing enjoyment, encouragement and helping children feel proud of their progress and
find confidence in their abilities.”
As well as these sessions, the local authority is celebrating Bike Month this May,
encouraging residents of all ages and abilities to discover the joys and benefits of cycling
through a programme of events.
Bike Month is a nationwide celebration of everyday cycling, and the council’s programme
will work alongside the activities of Love to Ride, a national recycling platform, and the
activities from a range of local partners. Through Love to Ride, participants can log their
progress, take part in workplace and community challenges, and be rewarded for every
journey.
Some of the highlights of this month of celebrations include Breeze Rides for women and
children, a women-only bike maintenance session, Durham City Bike Festival, Gateway
Wheelers – Accessible Cycling, and more.
For more information on the cycling events, residents can visit
www.durham.gov.uk/CycleWithOthers
, and to sign up for Love to Ride they can visit
www.lovetoride.net/uk
.
Alongside this programme, the council offers a range of cycling support for parents and
children, helping families through their cycling journey.
This includes Bikeability sessions for parents and children, giving them the skills and
confidence to ride safely on local roads and paths. Families can also access refurbished
bikes through Recyke Y’Bike, helping to remove barriers by making cycling more
affordable and accessible.
Schools interested in offering balance bike sessions, Bikeability training or wider cycling
support for families, are encouraged to find out more about what’s available from the
council at www.durham.gov.uk/schoolroadsafetyschemes
or by emailing
road.safety@durham.gov.uk
.