Wirral youngsters get on their bikes

Jul 22 2009 by Jade Wright, Birkenhead News

WIRRAL school pupils are ditching their lifts to and from school and making the most of the natural environment, according to new research.

More than 30,000 young people and adults in Merseyside have been trained by Merseyside Transport Partnership (MTP)’s TravelWise cycle training scheme – the largest in the country – since April 2006.Š

New research commissioned by MTP shows that more than a third of trainees on Merseyside are using bikes for “utility” reasons – travelling to work, school, the shops or appointments – as well as for leisure.

The first ever research into the long term effects of cycle training programmes for young people and adults has shown evidence of major behavioural shifts.

ŠMore than 97% of parents who took part in the research believed that their child’s cycling safety had improved. Š

The number of young people cycling to school after training is more than double the regional average.

MTP chairman Neil Scales says:

“The results are hugely significant, not just for this area but for the whole country.

“For the first time anywhere in the country we have solid evidence that training programmes like ours have a clear, long term positive effect on behaviour and attitudes, not just of individuals who attend training but on their families.

“This impacts on their health and well being, on transport issues such as traffic and air quality, and in turn on economic growth in the area.

“We are particularly encouraged that 4% of parents and guardians reported that their child is cycling to school five days a week, rising to 12% for those who cycle once a week.Š

“In Merseyside, school census data suggests that generally only 1.2% of children cycle to school.Š

“Our research demonstrates that training makes a significant difference when compared to the background figures.”Š

Philip Darnton, Chair of Cycling England, says: “Merseyside Transport Partnership should be applauded for the lead they have taken in this field.Š

“This research gives us clear evidence which can be used to back up training proposals all over the country.”

Wirral has its own dedicated part of the scheme, and thousands of residents in Heswall, Pensby, Irby and Thingwall are taking part in a pioneering TravelWise initiative, which aims to reduce peak-time congestion on the main routes into Birkenhead and Liverpool city centre.

Pupils at Irby Primary School have certainly taken the message to heart, giving up their lifts for the Bike to School Breakfast.

More than 100 pupils and staff took part in the day, aimed at promoting more sustainable modes of transport.

The number cycling has doubled over the last year.

For more on cycle training and the new initiatives see www.LetsTravelWise.org/cycling, email ravelwise@jmp.co.uk or call 0151 330 1290.