Bike sessions promote joy and confidence for children

CHILDREN at County Durham schools are discovering the joy and confidence found in riding a bike, as part of council-funded sessions.

Delivered in a fun, positive and supportive environment, the sessions form part of Durham County Council’s Bikeability programme being delivered in schools across the county.

Plus, the council is set to deliver a programme full of free rides, workshops, festivals and inclusive cycling opportunities as part of Bike Month this May.

The Bikeability programme begins with balance bikes as a first step for younger children, before then progressing to basic bicycle control and riding on quieter roads for primary-aged pupils.

For older children, they progress to cycling on busier roads and negotiating more complex junctions as part of secondary-age training.

For many young people, these sessions are their first experience of riding a bike, and by focusing on balance rather than pedalling, the pupils quickly build control, coordination and independence.

Teachers say they have seen clear benefits beyond physical development, including improved concentration, resilience and social skills, thanks to children supporting one another and celebrating achievements together.

Provided by the council’s Road Safety Team, with additional support from its Active Travel team using North East CA funding, the initiative forms part of the council’s wider commitment to early years active travel. It believes that by introducing cycling skills early, children see walking, wheeling and cycling as a normal and enjoyable part of everyday life.

Cllr Cathy Hunt, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “The importance of children feeling the joy and confidence that comes with independence cannot be overstated, and these sessions are a step towards that reality.

“We’re so pleased that these sessions are being received well and we hope that they are providing enjoyment, encouragement and helping children feel proud of their progress and find confidence in their abilities.”

As well as these sessions, the local authority is celebrating Bike Month this May, encouraging residents of all ages and abilities to discover the joys and benefits of cycling through a programme of events. 

Bike Month is a nationwide celebration of everyday cycling, and the council’s programme will work alongside the activities of Love to Ride, a national recycling platform, and the activities from a range of local partners. Through Love to Ride, participants can log their progress, take part in workplace and community challenges, and be rewarded for every journey.

Some of the highlights of this month of celebrations include Breeze Rides for women and children, a women-only bike maintenance session, Durham City Bike Festival, Gateway Wheelers – Accessible Cycling, and more.

For more information on the cycling events, residents can visit www.durham.gov.uk/CycleWithOthers, and to sign up for Love to Ride they can visit www.lovetoride.net/uk.

Alongside this programme, the council offers a range of cycling support for parents and children, helping families through their cycling journey.

This includes Bikeability sessions for parents and children, giving them the skills and confidence to ride safely on local roads and paths. Families can also access refurbished bikes through Recyke Y’Bike, helping to remove barriers by making cycling more affordable and accessible.

Schools interested in offering balance bike sessions, Bikeability training or wider cycling support for families, are encouraged to find out more about what’s available from the council at www.durham.gov.uk/schoolroadsafetyschemes or by emailing .