Wiltshire Council’s Bikeability programme has reached a major milestone, with 50,000 children across the county now trained to cycle safely on the roads.
The achievement was marked at Aloeric Primary School in Melksham, where a pupil named Leo, the 50,000th child to complete the training in Wiltshire, was presented with a new bike.
Bikeability training is delivered in schools across the county and aims to help children develop practical cycling and road safety skills while building confidence riding on today’s roads.
Wiltshire Council says around 3,500 children take part in the programme each year.
Councillor Martin Smith, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Highways, said reaching the milestone was “a fantastic achievement” and praised the county’s team of Bikeability instructors.
He said: “Bikeability plays an important role in helping young people develop life-long skills, improve their confidence, and stay safe while cycling.”
The event was attended by representatives from the Bikeability Trust, including chief executive Emily Cherry, who said the programme helps young people gain “the skills and confidence to cycle safely and confidently”.
Several pupils who completed the training also spoke about their experiences.
Hugo said his favourite part was “putting all the training into practice by leaving the school and going on the roads”.
Naylah said: “It was really fun. The instructors were kind and my mum trusts me now that I know how to be safe.”
Bikeability training is available to both children and adults and is designed to encourage safer and more confident cycling for everyday journeys.
To find out more about Bikeability in Wiltshire, visit Road safety education.
