Published Friday 8th February 13
AN INNOVATIVE scheme that aims to encourage children to learn to ride a bike at as early an age as possible has been launched in Hartlepool.
The Borough Council’s Sport and Recreation Service has received funding of £1,100 from the British Heart Foundation to purchase eight specialised balance bikes.
The bikes which don’t have pedals are designed for children aged 2-5. Children sit on the bikes with their feet directly on the ground, enabling them to focus on the art of balancing without worrying about the secondary action of pedalling.
The Sport and Recreation Service’s Outdoor Activities Team is currently visiting primary schools and children’s centres across the town with the bikes to give children a chance to ride them.
Sessions are taking place at eight schools – Hart, Elwick, Sacred Heart, St Helen’s, St Joseph’s, Ward Jackson, Brougham and Kingsley – along with Hindpool House Children’s Centre, Chatham Road Children’s Centre and the Phoenix Centre on Central Estate.
Outdoor Activities Co-ordinator Adam Reah said: “Gone are the days when it could be taken for granted that kids could ride a bike and we are genuinely finding that increasing numbers of children can’t. This is not just at a young age either – sometimes we find this to be the case with children in Year 6.
“There may be a number of reasons for this. Some parents simply may not be able to afford bikes for their children, others may be concerned about safety and some families simply struggle to find the time to do things like riding bikes together.
“Initially, this shocked me but now it saddens me. As a result, we have decided to try to do something about it and we are really grateful to the British Heart Foundation for their support.
“The health benefits of cycling are well documented, and we also hope this initiative will encourage more people to learn to ride at a young age and then continue to cycle as they get older.”
Other schools keen to organise balance bike sessions can contact Adam on (01429) 284591 to arrange a visit.
The Outdoor Activities Team is also taking bookings for follow-up sessions at Summerhill which are currently being organised. These are expected to take place between 4pm and 5pm, although the exact dates are yet to be finalised. The sessions will cost £4.30 for Active Card holders, £4.80 for concessions and £5 for non-Active Card holders.
Note to newsdesks: The media are invited to attend Hart Primary School at Hart Village, Hartlepool, from 9.15-10.30am on Monday February 11.
via Innovative scheme promotes cycling – Hartlepool Borough Council.
Read Full Post »
Deerness Valley Cycling 