500 success story for Cycle Colchester

Cycle Colchester has clocked up its 500 success story when it comes to helping children to cycle more safely.

Scott Dingwall, a pupil at High Woods Community Primary School, is the 500 child to successfully complete Bikeability Level Two training since the Cycle Colchester project began.

Hundreds more children have received Bikeability Level One training and will progress to Level Two after the summer holiday.

Scott and his classmates were awarded Cycle Colchester goodie bags to celebrate their achievements and to encourage them to cycle more over the coming months.

Bikeability training is an essential part of the Cycle Colchester project giving people the skills and confidence they need to cycle in everyday situations.

Level 1 helps new cyclists to learn how to control their bike and gain the skills to ride off road while Level 2 helps them to gain the skills they need to cycle on quiet roads and cycle lanes.

Cllr Kevin Bentley, Essex County Council’s Cycle Champion, said: “Bikeability training is really important to achieving our goal of encourage more people to cycle more safely, more often and it’s great to hear so many children are already feeling the benefits this training can bring.”

Cllr Nick Barlow, Colchester Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, Culture and Tourism, said: “Through the Cycle Colchester project we are also offering training to adults to help them rediscover the benefits of cycling.”

Pam Nelson, of the Colchester Cycling Campaign, said: “Bikeability offers a great way of helping people of all ages to gain the skills and confidence they need to cycle on roads and cycle paths. I am sure Scott and his classmates will be cycling more now as a result.”

NOTE TO EDITORS

For more information about Cycle Colchester contact Clare Urwin, Cycle Colchester Communications Co-ordinator, on 07905 244281.

Colchester is one of just 18 towns and cities in England to be awarded Cycling Town status.

£2.1m of funding has been awarded from Cycling England which has been match funded by Essex County Council to promote and encourage cycling, and develop a comprehensive cycle network in the town over the three years up to March 2011.

The project is being delivered in partnership by Essex County Council, Colchester Borough Council, local cycling groups and other key stakeholders.