Local schoolchildren had their bikes post-coded by the police for free while they were attending one of the newly revised, regular safe cycling courses run by Islington Council during school half-term. <br><br>The two-day courses are piloting new methods in line with the new cycling National Standard, on which the primary focus is more practical, on-road learning and awareness. Children taking part were also pleasantly surprised when Councillor Laura Willoughby popped by to see how they were doing. <br><br>The courses take place at either Poole’s Park Primary or Islington Green Secondary throughout the year and are available to Year 5 and 6 children who live or attend school in the borough. <br><br>Councillor Laura Willoughby, Executive member for communities, was on hand to experience the course and said: “With the recent introduction of the cycling National Standard, we are looking to get the Level 1 off-road training done in primary school and then the Safe Cycling course can focus directly on on-road skills. <br><br>“The courses take the emphasis away from the classroom, so pupils spend as much time cycling as possible, while still covering the necessary Highway Code elements. <br><br>It is also highly encouraging to see more children attending these courses in recent weeks and parents can be safe in the knowledge that they are riding more confidently and more safely.”<br><br>In addition to the long-standing children’s courses, the council’s cycle training programme now has courses for adults of all abilities. <br><br>For further information on cycle training in Islington, please phone Contact Islington on 020 7527 2000.<br><br>ENDS
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009