Young children in Islington are getting the chance to test their skills on two wheels at Bike Start, a free cycling event held at Kate Greenaway Nursery School and Children's Centre in Kings Cross.<br><br>The nursery has recently acquired 15 brand new bikes, specially designed for young beginners. Last Saturday these were all available for the under-fives to try out whilst other family members brought along their own bikes to practice on. Cycling ability on the day ranged from children who had never sat on one before, to those feeling a bit wobbly after only recently learning to cycle. <br><br>As families pedalled and scooted around the newly landscaped gardens at Kate Greenaway, help was on hand from Islington's road safety team who offered advice on how to enjoy cycling safely. Those who bought their own bikes to the event were also able to have a security microchip fitted (to keep track of the bike if it is lost of stolen) by a member of the local Safer Neighbourhood Team.<br><br>Councillor Ursula Woolley, Islington Council's Executive Member for Children and Young People opened the Bike Start event. She said: "I'm really pleased that Kate Greenaway's bid for funding to the Community Cycling Fund for London was successful and they recognised the benefit these fantastic bikes will bring to Islington children, helping them to cycle safely when they are young." <br><br>Regular attendees of Kate Greenaway Nursery School and Children's Centre are used to cycling being part of their daily routine. Children start off scooting along on LikeABikes - wooden two wheelers with no pedals. Once they've mastered these, they move on to a regular bike (called a Puky) built with a low centre of gravity, making it easier to balance.<br><br>Julian Grenier, headteacher at Kate Greenaway said: "We encourage all the children to have a go on the bikes and started experimenting with the two-wheeled bikes six months ago. The children are extremely capable and we now have children under two balancing on the wooden bikes. They help the children develop balance, stamina and strength and the cycling sessions are really popular. It's great to see their confidence growing all the time." <br><br>Another Bike Start session will run this Saturday 18th October from 10am-12.30pm. <br><br>ENDS.<br>.<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br> <br>
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009