Pupils gear up to learn

PUPILS are putting their pedal power into practice at Queen Elizabeth’s High School in a bid to cycle more safely on the roads.

Children in Year 7 have taken to two wheels during Bikeability workshops over the last two weeks.

And they seem to be having a wheel-y good time.

“I’ve learned a lot of different things that will make me a better cyclist at home,” said Edward Farrar, aged 12.

“Almost everyone rides a bike at some point in their life so these lessons are really valuable.”“

“You might just ride for fun or you might need a bike to do your job like a post man, police man, or paper boy.”

Edward said he enjoyed the exercises which tested his reflexes and agility, like practising giving way at junctions and riding as slowly as possible without his feet touching the ground.

Bikeability is the new national standard in cycling proficiency.

Alan Grantham, who heads up the team of Bikeability instructors under the Wolds School Sport Partnership, said the kids at QEHS had done particularly well.

“We provide Bikeability courses for school children in Years 5, 6 and 7. So naturally the older pupils are more advanced than some of the younger ones,” said Alan.

He explained how they had covered levels one and two of the programme, enabling them to check their bikes, make left and right turns using arm signals, travel past parked cars and be aware of everything around them.

Tutor Ryan Parkinson added: “We give them the skills they need to go home and ride their bikes safely and responsibly.”“

“If there are aspects that still need more work or practice we send a checklist home for parents to carry on with.”

Zahrah Thomas, 12, said: “I’ve got a bike at home but I’ve never done anything like this before.” “

“I found it really helpful and it was good fun too.”

l To find out more about Bikeability go to www.woldsssp.co.uk