Teenagers living in the north of the borough can now sign up for free safe cycle training courses on their doorstep. Islington Council now offers the playground of Poole’s Park Primary School, N4 for their increasingly popular courses. <br><br>And as cycle security is such a big issue throughout London, everybody who attends will also have their postcodes engraved onto their bikes by police. <br><br>To promote the courses the council has teamed up with local police to visit youngsters on Holloway’s Andover Estate and tell them about the new scheme, which started in July across the road at the school in Lennox Road. The council has already been running free safe cycling courses for children at Islington Green secondary school, N1 for several years.<br><br>Councillor Bridget Fox, executive member for sustainability said: <br><br>"Islington's young people care about their environment and their health, and the council is committed to encouraging them to cycle because it’s cheap, environmentally friendly, and improves their fitness.<br><br>We are pleased to offer a more convenient venue for children living in the north of the borough wanting to learn to cycle safely.<br><br>Cycling also helps young people become more independent and gain greater road sense – but they need to be taught how to do it safely first.”<br><br>Aimed mainly at 9-11 year olds, the course is a combination of on-road, off-road and theory training, coordinated by qualified instructors trained to national standards.<br><br>“We are keen for young people on the Andover Estate to be taught safe cycling and road awareness, as traffic can be a problem round here,” says Police Sergeant Chris Walsh of the Finsbury Park Safer Neighbourhood’s Team who met local youngsters last week. “It’s a great way of keeping them safe, keeping their bikes secure and getting to know them too.”<br><br>The next round of free courses will take place at Poole's Park Primary School on 17 and 18 September, 8 and 9 October, 25 and 26 October, and 14 and 15 February 2006; and at Islington Green Secondary School on 19 and 20 November and 21 and 22 January.<br><br>There are still places available for children in years 5 and 6 - to find out more, phone Contact Islington on 020 7527 2000 or download an application form at www.islington.gov.uk.<br><br>ENDS
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009