Minister Kimmins launches the Cycling Proficiency Scheme
Date published:
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins 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.
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