Scheme to help cycling families feel safer on road

Cycling sessions offering safety advice to families have been set up after a call for help from parents.

The States of Guernsey has organised the Bikeability family scheme on a trial basis to help parents build skills and confidence to cycle safely with their children.

Sessions are being held at two venues - Les Beaucamps High School on 12 and 26 April, and at St Sampson's High School on 18 April and 2 May - with people who want to take part asked to fill in an application form.

Holly Lindsay, transport strategy implementation officer for Traffic and Highway Services, said the government often heard from parents and guardians who wanted help on cycling with their children on Guernsey's roads.

"We hope this will further support our island community and make cycling more accessible to all," Lindsay said.

The States said the course would start in a traffic-free environment with trained instructors before moving on to the road to focus on the skills of observation, communication, road positioning and understanding priority.

It said a key part of the course would be learning how to safely shepherd young riders when cycling as a family.

The government said two instructors would work with children during the first session to help them develop cycling skills in a traffic-free zone.

People who want to take part should be able to cycle confidently in a playground setting, with adults able to ride independently on the road.

The sessions also require riders to have a safe, road-worthy bike and equipment, including helmets.

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