Minister Kimmins celebrates Cycling Proficiency Scheme delivery
Date published:
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has today presented certificates to pupils at Killean Primary School who have successfully completed the Cycling Proficiency Scheme.
The Cycling Proficiency Scheme is made available to all primary and special schools and helps pupils develop their cycling skills, increase their confidence as cyclists and identify risks they may come across on the roads.
Minister Kimmins said:
"Cycling is a great way to travel and improve health and I believe that children should learn of its many benefits and how to cycle safely from an early age.
This financial year I was pleased to be able to commit £90,000 to deliver the scheme and I am delighted that over 290 schools responded to express an interest in participating.
The Cycling Proficiency scheme is a valuable tool to help prepare young people for making good road safety decisions while cycling. By committing this funding, participating schoolchildren can again learn the essential skills required to cycle safely and with confidence. They are taught how to carry out various manoeuvres, the importance of looking and listening while out cycling, as well as helmet and bicycle checks and the proper use of gears."
The Scheme is delivered by teachers while the Department for Infrastructure provide resources, instructor training and support to teachers.
Notes to editors:
- Photo caption: Minister Kimmins presents certificates to pupils of Killean Primary School who have successfully completed the Cycling Proficiency Scheme.
- 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.
- The initiative is most suited to Years 6 and 7. Last year around 4,000 school children participated in the Scheme.
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