Volunteers needed to help deliver cycle training to Scottish school pupils
Bikeability Scotland has today launched a call for volunteers to help deliver the six-week training to pupils across Scotland. The new evolution of the former cycling proficiency test is a three level cycle training programme designed to give children the road skills to make independent journeys on their bikes.
Cycling Scotland, the lead organisation behind Bikeability Scotland, wants to encourage people from all walks of life to consider volunteering as a Bikeability Scotland instructor, which not only allows them to give something back to their local community, but also gives them a nationally recognised qualification.
Bikeability Scotland offers pupils much more comprehensive training than the old cycling proficiency test which was traditionally delivered in the playground, and is designed to give the next generation the skills and confidence to ride their bikes safely on today’s roads.
Ian Aitken, chief executive of Cycling Scotland, said:
“To allow us to give children the opportunity to receive the new and improved Bikeability Scotland training, we really rely on support from volunteers. All we need are committed and enthusiastic people who want to help deliver something that makes a difference in their local community.”
Volunteer Fran Marriott-Laurie commented:
“Volunteering for cycle training not only gives me a great sense of achievement, it also feels great to be contributing an essential service that local kids might not get otherwise. The children involved in the programme are being taught skills that will help them become confident cyclists so they can ride their bikes to school. Working with the kids is loads of fun, and it feels really good to be helping them be more active and travel sustainably.”
Volunteers will be given training that qualifies them to deliver Bikeability Scotland in their area. Volunteers will be required to support the programme for one hour a week for six to eight weeks while children get on their bikes and learn how to cycle safely, to school and for leisure.
The programme offers a clear progression starting with basic cycle control skills, riding on road and navigating basic junctions, then making independent journeys, planning the safest route along quiet roads and cycle paths, and negotiating traffic and more complex junctions.
If you are interested in volunteering then log on to www.bikeabilityscotland.org
Join in the discussion on Twitter #bikeabilityscot
