Thousands of local children gain life-long cycling skills through Bikeability training
More than six million children across the UK have now received Bikeability cycle training since the programme was launched in 2007, helping a generation of young people develop the skills and confidence to cycle safely and independently.
Cheshire West and Chester Council continues to be a strong supporter of the UK's national cycle training programme, delivering 3,648 Bikeability training places during the 2025/26 financial year.
As a result, 74 per cent of Year 6 pupils across the borough received Level 1 and Level 2 Bikeability training, equipping them with essential road awareness, practical cycling skills and the confidence to make more journeys by bike.
Bikeability is the Department for Transport's national cycle training programme, administered by the Bikeability Trust. The programme is designed to equip children and beginners with the skills, confidence and competence to cycle safely on today's roads while encouraging healthier, more sustainable forms of travel.
The impact of the programme continues to grow nationally. During 2025/26, more than 524,000 children completed Bikeability training, including Get Cycling in Schools places. Children taking part in Bikeability training also helped save an estimated 595 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions by choosing to cycle.
A spokesperson for Mouton School, after their training session, said:
“The training provided was outstanding. The pupils who took part thoroughly enjoyed the experience and all reported learning something new. Several pupils who participated in the Level 1 course commented on how inspiring the instructors were and shared that they now feel confident riding a bike, even though some had never ridden one before the sessions.
“Many pupils also commented on feeling much safer on the roads as a result of the high-quality teaching and said they now feel more confident undertaking longer-distance bike rides. There was an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from all pupils, highlighting how much fun they had and how exhilarating the entire experience was.”
One mother emailed the Council’s Road Safety team to say:
“We are absolutely delighted with the Bikability training. My 9-year-old son has come home a completely reformed cyclist. He genuinely loved the course and specifically mentioned how much he enjoyed the instructor’s training.
“The most life-changing result? The helmet. I, his mother, have spent years engaging in daily, soul-crushing negotiations over why a helmet is necessary, Now, he simply reaches for it. No debate. No commentary. This course was perfect for him, and I'm genuinely grateful for the time taken to keep the kids safe.”
Cllr Karen Shore, the Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways, said:
"Bikeability gives children the skills and confidence they need to cycle safely for life. It helps young people become more independent, encourages healthy lifestyles and supports safer, more sustainable travel in our communities.
"I'm delighted that so many children across Cheshire West and Chester have benefited from Bikeability training, with almost three-quarters of our Year 6 pupils taking part last year. The programme plays an important role in helping the next generation feel confident travelling actively and safely.
"We're also proud to offer free cycling sessions for families and adults, ensuring people of all ages have the opportunity to learn to ride, improve their skills and enjoy the many benefits that cycling can bring."
Family sessions provide an opportunity for parents, carers and children to learn and build confidence together, while adult training supports everyone from complete beginners learning to ride for the first time to more experienced cyclists looking to improve their skills for everyday journeys.
Whether learning to ride, returning to cycling after time away, or gaining confidence on local roads, the sessions are designed to help residents of all ages enjoy the benefits of cycling and active travel.
If you're looking to help your child gain confidence on two wheels, learn to ride as a family, or get back on a bike as an adult, Cheshire West and Chester's Bikeability team can help.
For more information about upcoming training sessions and how to book, visit https://www.bikeright.co.uk/sponsors/cheshirewest-chester/
Take the first step towards safer, healthier and more sustainable journeys today.