Infrastructure Minister has committed £100,000 to
deliver the Cycling Proficiency Scheme in schools this academic
year.
This means upwards of 6,000 children can now participate in the
scheme during the next school term.
Making the announcement Minister Kimmins said: “The
Cycling Proficiency Scheme provides essential skills for our
young people to cycle safely and with confidence and is a
valuable tool to help prepare young people for making good road
safety decisions while cycling. In addition, cycling is a
great way to travel actively and contributes to improving health
and well-being.
“I believe that children should learn of its many
benefits and how to cycle safely from an early age. It
teaches them how to carry out various manoeuvres properly, the
importance of looking and listening while out cycling, how to fit
and adjust their helmet and carry out safety checks on their
bicycle.
“The initiative targets children in Primary Years 6 and 7
with almost 4,000 pupils trained in 2024. I am pleased to
be able to commit to the scheme this year and have now written to
all schools across the north. I would encourage them to
take up the invitation and apply to take part in the scheme as
soon as possible to allow it to be delivered this academic
year.”
The Department is writing to schools inviting them to
participate. The Scheme is delivered by teachers while the
Department for Infrastructure provide resources, instructor
training and support to teachers.
Notes to editors:
- Cycling Proficiency Scheme is a 12 lesson programme,
generally undertaken as an after schools activity, with most
lessons taking one hour.
- Pupil competence is measured either by continuous assessment
or through a final test depending on the preference of the
school.
