Thursday 18 August 2016
In conjunction with the Committee for Education, Sport and Culture, Traffic and Highway Services has agreed with the Guernsey Sports Commission to expand its well-established 'PE in Schools' programme to provide Bikeability training in Guernsey primary schools in the future.
The current cycling proficiency scheme has been established in Guernsey primary schools for several years and sees hundreds of local school children undertaking basic (level 1) cycle training every year.
Cycling Proficiency training has been successfully implemented by a single Police Officer on a part time basis, with training courses fitting in and around policing duties as and when schedules permit. While this part time work has been very good in the past, the States agreed more needed to be done if we were to see a greater up-take in cycling and that it was important to embed a cultural shift from a young age.
Deputy Barry Brehaut, President of the Committee for the Environment & Infrastructure said,
"Among the aims of the Integrated On Island Transport Strategy was a target to encourage more children to use their bicycles more frequently. We had originally envisaged training teachers in the schools to provide Bikeability training as a direct part of the curriculum. However through discussion and dialogue with all the main parties a positive way forward that acknowledges our respective mandates has been found which enables the Guernsey Police to focus more time on their core policing duties while using the Guernsey sports Commission who have a proven track record in providing high-quality, effective experiences for the island's young people."
Deputy Paul Le Pelley, President for The Committee for Education, Sport and Culture said,
"The implementation of Bikeability will ensure that hundreds of young people across the Bailiwick will have the opportunity to learn valuable life skills associated with cycling, not least the competence and confidence to enjoy cycling on Guernsey roads. We are fully supportive of this initiative and we welcome the opportunity to work with other services to promote the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle."
David Harry, Chief Executive Officer The Guernsey Sports Commission said,
"It's great news that we are able to support this initiative. Bikeability Levels one and two will be taught in local schools, these are all about gaining practical skills and understanding how to cycle on today's roads. This will help give everyone the skills and confidence for all types of cycling. Looking forward we will also be hoping to introduce Bikeability for adults so they too can learn or brush up on the key skills required when cycling. Anyone who may be interested in applying for one of the new part time cycling development roles is asked to contact David Harry on telephone 747231."
