School staff across Northumberland are benefiting from a free course to help increase cycling confidence.  Since 2016, 114 members of staff have completed a British Cycling Ride Leader Level 1 training course, with 18 places being taken up this year by staff from primary, middle and SEND schools as well as volunteers from local charities. 

The course has been facilitated by the County Council over the past ten years, enabling school staff to grow cycling projects and develop the necessary skills to independently deliver cycling activities with pupils. A variety of projects have been covered including active breaktimes, cycling in the curriculum, improved cycling facilities, regular led rides and longer trips. 

Cllr Guy Renner-Thompson, Cabinet Member for Inspiring Young People, said:

“These sessions are so important to help people develop their cycling proficiency, skills and knowledge and then share this learning within their local school community.  

“While it’s great to see more active travel routes being provided across the county, it’s vital that people feel they can use these safely and confidently.” 

The course blends four hours of directed learning with one-day expert tuition from a British Cycling tutor covering topics such as ride preparation, group and risk management, route planning and British Cycling’s good practice guidelines. 

Cllr Renner-Thompson added:

“We know sessions such as this have a real ripple effect as schools which have already undertaken the training are now delivering rides and are supporting other schools to also improve their cycling provision.” 

(Picture: Northumberland County Council)