Children pedal to success

This term 160 children between the ages of four and six at Barton, Harston & Newton, Fen Drayton, Great Abington & Waterbeach primary schools have been given the chance to learn to ride bikes without stabilisers thanks to the SSPs balanceability programme.

During six weekly sessions delivered by the SSPs project officer Julie Pashley children have developed their static and dynamic balance on bikes without pedals; enabling them to later transition to pedal bikes in a safe and enjoyable manner.

Claire McDonnell, Partnership Manager said, “Balanceability is the starting point for children’s cycling and an excellent opportunity to promote active lifestyles at an early age. It also supports the PE curriculum and is a natural lead into bikeability training which children do in years 5 & 6.

Balance bike training has been really popular in schools since we launched the programme a year ago. It has had a real impact on the children, helping them to improve their social skills as well as their balance and coordination. For many it has also given them the confidence and enthusiasm to practice their cycling at home with parents.”

“It was wonderful to see even those children who were really struggling at the outset make their own level of progress” Class Teacher

Over the next two terms children at the following schools will be receiving training Petersfield, Over, Histon & Impington Infants, Barnabas Oley, Castle Camps & Meldreth. Further schools can book in training by getting in touch with the School Sports Partnership sspamin@combertonvc.org