A PROGRAMME that has trained thousands of children to become confident cyclists has been linked to a drop in the number of youngsters hurt on Darlington roads.

Bikeability cycle training has been delivered to more than 8,000 young people across the town since its launch in 2007 as part of a national campaign.

The scheme, which replaces former cycling proficiency tests, is based on a three-tier system taught by National Standard Cycle Training instructors who have been visiting Darlington primary schools for almost a decade.

During that time, the number of children reported injured after being involved in incidents on the borough’s roads has fallen by a third.

Darlington Borough Council signed up to the Bikeability programme since its inception to provide all three levels of cycle training to children, teenagers and adults.

Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for leisure, culture and transport, Councillor Nick Wallis, said: “In Darlington we are proud of our record of working in partnership with our schools to give our children the best possible start in life.

“Bikeability training gives our young people the skills and confidence to travel independently by bike, improving their long-term health and reducing traffic and parking congestion around the school gates.”

Under the Bikeability programme, cyclists at level three are expected to manage challenging road and traffic stations and plan their own safe routes to school or work.

A Bikeability spokesman said: “Bikeability is the gateway to all kinds of fun experiences by bike – the training is just the start.

“A great way to practise the training that your child has received during Bikeability is to try cycling as a family, or let them cycle by themselves to school, to the local shops, cinema or swimming pool.

“Level three training is recommended for older children who would like to learn how to ride in different and more challenging traffic situations.”

In Darlington, all three levels of Bikeability training are offered by instructors at Darlington Borough Council, AB Cycle Training, British Cycling and Cycle Experience Ltd.

  • For more information on the Bikeability programme for children or adults, visit bikeability.org.uk