- THINK! >
- Focus areas >
- Children >
- Cycling
Children - cycling
The facts
In 2007, 522 pedal cyclists aged under 16 were killed or seriously injured - this is a fairly typical yearly statistic.
Cycling is a fun and healthy way for children to get about, and it also gives them a degree of freedom and independence. But there are safety issues which must be addressed if children are to be as safe as possible on the road.
THINK! cycling strategy for children
Our strategy for promoting safer cycling among children is to encourage training and safety through the Hedgehogs campaign and Bikeability, as well as supporting and promoting other schemes run by Cycling England and other road safety organisations.
Bikeability training
The DfT, with the help of over 20 road safety and cycling organisations, has replaced the old style Cycling Proficiency test in England with a new national standard training scheme called Bikeability.
Thousands of children across the country will have the opportunity to undertake this training, which is expected to help improve their confidence and skills.
It will also ensure that child cyclists become more confident in traffic as the new standard includes on road training.
Tales of the Road
Uses animated characters to tell a series of cautionary tales each focusing on a different aspect of road safety.
Bikeability
New national standard cycling award scheme to help young cyclists stay safe.
Cyclists' Touring Club
Cyclists' Touring Club's mission is 'to make cycling enjoyable, safe and welcoming for all.' The website offers all kinds of information for cycling from maps to insurance
Cycling England
The national body that co-ordinates the development of cycling across England.
Bikeforall
A filter that lists useful bike information and news on the internet and updated daily.
Bike Week
The UK's annual 'celebration of cycling', with more than 1,500 events expected to attract over 250,000 cyclists.
Sustrans
Charity involved with projects such as the national Cycle Network and Safe Routes to Schools.
3M Streetwise
Road safety lesson plans for teachers, advice for parents and interactive games for children.
