Read This School pupils pedal ahead in South East By Francesca Baker-Brooker Contributor Published 24th Jul 2024, 12:39 BST Comment Watch more of our videos on Shots! and live on Freeview channel 276 Visit Shots! now New figures from The Bikeability Trust show over 81,290 children in the South East had the opportunity to get pedalling with Bikeability cycle training between April 2023 and March 2024. The top performing authorities in the South East for 2023–24 were Portsmouth, Hampshire and Wokingham. Across England 560,471 pupils booked on to Bikeability training between April 2023 and March 2024.
Bikeability cycle training equips children with vital life skills. Pupils not only learn to cycle, they gain independence, social skills and a sense of wellbeing. After Bikeability, children are better at responding to risk and report increased confidence.
As a result, more children cycle to school which in turn improves mental health and wellbeing. This allows children to get more out of the classroom, improving their attention span and engagement. Healthier habits lead to increased attendance and improved academic results.
Bikeability isn’t just a training course; it impacts children’s lives. The Bikeability Trust Chief Executive Emily Cherry said: “I’m so proud of the 81,290 children in the South East who are now equipped with the skills and confidence to thrive on a cycle. We know that there are so many physical and mental health benefits of cycling, and through Bikea.