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Wheel Deal for Teenagers
Teenagers in Sheffield are becoming free riders this spring under a new cycling skills scheme for young people.
The dramatic recent rise of cycling in Sheffield has been accompanied by a 10% reduction in cycling injuries,but figures show that teenagers, especially boys up to the age of 15, are still one of the highest groups of cycling casualties in Sheffield, largely as a result of riding out into the road from the pavement.
“We'd like to help more teenagers cycle to school safely and confidently,” said Claire Molyneux, Sheffield's Principal Road Safety Officer. "2,000 primary school children from Sheffield per year are now gaining free cycling lessons, and there's no reason secondary school pupils shouldn't get some tuition too so they are more confident about cycling to school. If Brad Pitt and Beyonce can get around on a bike, so can Sheffield's teenagers.”
Fir Vale, Hinde House and Ecclesfield secondary schools are already taking part in the free scheme funded by a special grant from Sheffield Council Road Safety department. Coaching in road cycling skills and basic cycle maintenance is offered to small groups of pupils in the pilot project carried out by Sheffield's cycle training cooperative, Pedal Ready.
“The aim is to work with young people to help them cycle safely, confidently and considerately,” said Carl Beresford from Pedal Ready. “There’s nothing dangerous about cycling, but it’s still worth taking a bit of time to learn a few simple tips about how to feel safe and confident on the road.”
One attraction of cycling is the freedom it offers young people to get about without the hassle of waiting for lifts or buses, he added. “It’ll save you time and money, and in the long term, the exercise and fitness you get from getting about by bike could even save your life.”
Dougal Partington from Fir Vale Secondary School, said: “We already have quite a few students who cycle to school in the warmer months, but it will be great to see more of them confidently using the roads. I'm looking forward to seeing the glint in their eyes when they realise the new freedom it offers them."
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