The Transport Secretary returned to her former primary school in Swindon this month to see first-hand how a national cycling programme is helping young children develop confidence, balance and independence.
Rt Hon Heidi Alexander MP visited Lainesmead Primary School, which lies within her Swindon South constituency, to watch pupils taking part in the Get Cycling in Schools programme run by The Bikeability Trust.
The initiative focuses on younger children, particularly those in Reception and Key Stage 1, helping them learn basic cycling skills in a safe environment before progressing to more advanced training later in their school years.
Joining the visit was Emily Cherry MBE, Chief Executive of The Bikeability Trust, who met staff and pupils involved in the programme.
Unlike traditional short-term projects, Get Cycling in Schools is designed to leave a lasting legacy. Schools receive balance bikes, helmets and training for staff, allowing teachers to deliver cycling sessions as part of the school day for years to come.
Earlier this year, members of staff at Lainesmead completed training to become Get Cycling Leads. The recent visit marked their first opportunity to put those new skills into practice with pupils.
Emily Cherry said the programme was already delivering impressive results across the country.
“The results of Get Cycling in Schools speak for themselves: over 93 per cent of pupils say they are motivated to cycle more after these sessions, children tell us they’re more confident, and we know they’re better prepared to progress to Bikeability Levels 1, 2 and 3,” she said.
“The programme also helps to support national goals to increase physical activity in schools, giving children more hours of cycle skills and movement embedded into their school day. It’s inspiring to see that happening here in Swindon.”
The scheme has expanded rapidly since being piloted in 47 schools during 2023. Across the country, almost 3,000 staff members have now been trained as Get Cycling Leads in more than 1,800 schools, with over 10,000 balance bikes and helmets distributed through the programme.
The Bikeability Trust believes introducing cycling at an earlier age will help more children progress to on-road training in later years. During the last financial year, Swindon Borough Council delivered 759 Bikeability training places across Levels 1 and 2.
Training Manager Amy Norton said seeing teachers confidently leading sessions so soon after completing their training highlighted the programme’s success.
“Seeing Lainesmead’s teachers delivering these sessions so confidently just weeks after their Get Cycling training shows how powerful this model is,” she said.
“Schools can embed cycling into their day and reach children who might otherwise miss out. Watching pupils progress to riding independently is always special.”
The programme forms part of wider efforts to encourage active travel, improve children’s confidence and increase physical activity in schools, while helping to create the next generation of safe cyclists.
