Thousands of pupils to receive cycle training

Over 3000 pupils from primary schools across South Lanarkshire have signed up to take part in cycle training over the next few months.

The pupils from 104 primaries will take part in the Scottish Cycle Training Scheme (formerly known as Cycling Proficiency) which teaches basic control exercises, emergency stop, right and left turns from minor to major and major to minor roads.

All of these exercises include observation and signalling skills and a general awareness of traffic.

The classroom based work covers the highway code, bike maintenance, journeying and environmental awareness. The scheme is linked to the National Curriculum Framework and aids ongoing Health Promoing, Eco School and School Travel Plan projects by encouraging safe and active travel.

Chair of the Road Safety Forum, Councillor John Murray, said: "This year will see more young people than ever before take part in cycle training provided by South Lanarkshire Council.

"The Council's Road Safety Team work with the primary school pupils, their teachers, adult volunteer trainers and parents to promote safe and sustainable journeys by bicycle.

"I am delighted so many of our young people will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity and I am sure many of them will develop a life-long passion for cycling which will improve sustainable methods of transport in the future."