MP Jesse Norman recently visited a Herefordshire primary school alongside the Herefordshire Council’s Bikeability team.

Mr Norman was visiting as part of his new ministerial role as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department for Transport. Paul Robison, Chief Executive of the national Bikeability Trust, explained how the DfT funding is used in Herefordshire to improve cycling confidence and safety.

Earlier this year, Herefordshire Council was the only local authority in the West Midlands to secure a £1.5m share of the government’s Sustainable Travel Access Fund. Through this funding, Herefordshire Council works closely with schools and the wider community to deliver scooter and cycle skills, bike maintenance sessions, led rides and walks.

Mr Norman met a group of Level 2 Bikeability pupils at the academy to see their first on-road cycle training session.

Bikeability training for children is funded by a dedicated grant from the Department for Transport (DfT). The scheme offers three levels of training; starting from developing bike control and confidence to on-road cycle skills negotiating multi-lane roads and junctions.

Councillor Durkin, Herefordshire Council Cabinet Member for Transport and Roads, said: “Bikeability is a high quality cycle training programme which gives confidence and skills to those who wish to cycle safely. Our scheme provides free practical cycle training to over 1,000 pupils and adults across Herefordshire each year, enabling our residents to live safe, healthy and independent lives.”

Find out more about Herefordshire Council’s cycling provision online at their website: www.herefordshire.gov.uk/cycling or email [email protected]