Primary and secondary pupils across the borough are learning how to cycle safely thanks to Erewash School Sport Partnership.
ESSP is running Bikeability sessions in all primary and secondary ESSP affiliated schools across Erewash and pupils at Kensington Junior School in Ilkeston were the latest to take part.
Sessions are run for all abilities with Level One, taking place in the playground from Year 4, so that children can learn how to control and master their bikes.
Pupils who pass Level One and are in Year 5 and 6 move onto Level Two, this session takes place on the roads where children learn how to deal with traffic on short journeys.
Level Three training is recommended for older children who would like to learn how to ride in different and more challenging traffic situations. It also includes planning routes for safe cycling. This is ideal for secondary school pupils who have further to travel to get to school.
Levels One, Two and Three take trainees from the basics of balance and control, all the way to planning and making an independent journey on busier roads.
Bikeability is administered by the Department for Transport and supported by the Youth Sport Trust.
All cyclists trained through the Bikeability scheme receive a certificate with individual instructor notes on the reverse in recognition of the level that they have achieved.
Vicky Brierley, from Erewash School Sport Partnership, is one of the instructors who runs the Bikeability sessions.
She said: “The sessions are all about building great foundations and boosting confidence so that those who take part can learn how to cycle safely on the roads.
“The pupils at Kensington Junior School who were out on the roads on the Level Two session were learning about how to start and finish an on road journey, how far out into the road they should position themselves, avoiding gutters, how to pass a stationary vehicle, passing a side road, u-turns, turning left and right into and out of minor roads.
“It was great to see their practical skills improve throughout the session and watch their confidence grow.”
Evie Hawker, 10, is a pupil at Kensington Junior School.
She said: “Sometimes I ride my bike on the roads but this session is good because it has taught me all about the different checks you need to do. Riding on the roads is a bit nerve-racking but I do enjoy it.”
Notes to editors: Erewash School Sport Partnership is a group of 45 schools working together to develop PE and sport opportunities for all young people. Its core priority is to improve the quality and quantity of PE and sport in schools. The partnerships aims to engage, motivate and include as many young people as possible in a positive PE and sport experience.