Gear up for a cycle savvy summer holiday

Parents looking for activities for their children to get involved with this summer can take advantage of ‘Bikeability’, the cycling proficiency training for the 21st century.

Children aged six years and over can learn valuable new bike skills with courses running throughout the summer holidays.

Bikeability gives young people the skills and confidence to cycle on today’s roads. There are three levels which are tailored to suit all children of all ages and abilities.

Level 1 is suitable for children six years and over. The two hour course provides basic bike control skills in a traffic-free environment. This includes learning how to pedal, stop, manoeuvre, signal and use gears on the bike.

For those aged nine or above looking to cycle on short journeys such as to and from school level 2 provides a real cycling experience.

Spread over two days children will learn how to plan, start and finish a journey by quiet roads, including positioning themselves on the road as well as being able to pass parked or slower moving vehicles. They will be made aware of everything around and will be able to use the Highway Code to understand road signs. They will also be taught how to signal to other road users.

For a more advanced cycling experience children aged 11 and older who have completed Bikeability level 2 can learn the skills to tackle a wider variety of traffic conditions with level 3.

Skills will be developed to help tackle a wider variety of traffic conditions, dealing with hazards, making ‘on-the-move’ risk assessments and being able to tackle more challenging traffic situations.

The programme is organised by the Plymouth School Sports Partnership (PSSP), funded by Plymouth City Council to enable schools in the city to deliver cycling training.

To view the full programme of dates, times and venues and to book a place visit www.plymouthssp.co.uk/events. There are limited places and these will be dealt with on a first come first served basis.