First cycling safety session held at SEND school

Students at a special needs school have been taking part in cycling sessions designed to improve confidence, independence and road safety awareness.

Year 12 pupils at The Bee Hive in Northampton used adapted trikes and bikes provided through the national Bikeability programme and funded by West Northamptonshire Council.

The school held its first session on Wednesday with a mixture of standard bicycles, trikes and a tandem cycle available for students of different abilities and experience levels.

"I found it really good, I enjoyed it, especially ringing the bell to let [other cyclists] know I was there," said 17-year-old Layla, who rode a bike for the first time during the session.

Bikeability is the government's national cycle training programme and helps young people learn practical skills and understand how to cycle on roads.

During the session, the students navigated a practice course marked out with cones on the playground and learned road safety skills, including checking behind.

Fellow Year 12 student Isla said the adapted trike felt safer than a standard bicycle.

"I found it easier than riding a normal bike because it's got more balance," she said.

Deputy head Matt Sentence said the programme had taken more than a year to organise and was focused on preparing students for adulthood.

"[Bikeability] builds their confidence, resilience and greater awareness of what's going on," he said.

"We've spoken to several schools [in Northamptonshire] and they've all said that moving forward, they would love to have access to this resource."

Keith Millard, from Kier Transportation, which manages the Bikeability contract for West Northamptonshire Council, said the scheme was about giving all young people access to cycling.

"It's a skill for life," he said. "You don't see a student unhappy on a bike."

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