Islington primary schoolchildren were treated to a display of stunt cycling with a health and safety twist from world renowned professional Rich Johnson on Wednesday 14 September.<br><br>The event was arranged by Islington Council at Poole’s Park primary school to promote their free safe cycling courses aimed at 9-11 year olds living in the north of the borough.<br><br>The courses provide a combination of on-road, off-road and theory training, and are coordinated by qualified instructors trained to national standards.<br><br>Johnson’s display in front of local children from Poole’s Park and Ambler primary schools involved jumping over a high jump, balancing on front and back wheels, spins and turns – all on his mountain bike.<br><br>As well as an impressive display of athleticism, the cycling display allows Johnson to emphasise the safe cycling message and the health benefits that cycling can achieve.<br><br>Johnson, who has appeared on TV programmes such as ‘Blue Peter’, ‘On Your Marks’, the ‘Big Breakfast’, and Channel 5’s ‘Under Pressure’, said: “Cycling is an excellent form of exercise as well as the most efficient form of transport known to man.”<br><br>“Our aim is to promote cycling as a fun activity but also to make children aware of the possible dangers of riding on and off road and to always wear a safety helmet.”<br><br>“By utilising my coaching and riding abilities I am able to have a very big influence on the younger generation. I feel it is the best way of getting the message across.”<br><br>With comments from the children like “it was very good”, “I learnt to keep my helmet on”, “loved the spins” and “it taught me to wear a helmet” it was easy to see that the message was received.<br><br>Executive member for sustainability, Councillor Bridget Fox, said: “Rich is an amazing ambassador for the safe cycling message because he combines his real life love and profession of cycling while delivering the message of the practicalities of safety.”<br><br>“Islington is committed to alternative means of transport to the car and through encouraging cycling in our younger residents we hope to develop a safe cycling culture and a healthier borough.”<br><br>The next round of free courses will take place at Poole’s Park primary school in Lennox Road, Finsbury Park on, 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
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009