CASE STUDY Cycling cy for roficien p the 21st century NORTH MANCHESTER PARTNERSHIP Using Bikeability as a platform to develop community involvement in cycling THE CHALLENGE What did you want to do? We wanted to use the Bikeability programme and other initiatives to address the lack of community cycling opportunities for young people in North Manchester. By creating a new team of cycling coaches, we aimed to provide opportunities for young people to receive cycling training in a structured, safe environment, providing the necessary equipment if needed, and allow them to progress in cycling in the future. MEETING THE CHALLENGE What did you do? A working partnership was created between Manchester Sports Development, British Cycling, North Manchester primary and secondary schools, local community groups and the North Manchester Partnership. Each partner then agreed to tackle a specific area of work. These included the setting up of a new Bikeability scheme involving six local secondary schools, the establishment of a new cycling club and the hiring of a Go-Ride Bikeability trained instructor to work with three primary schools. of the Go-ride Bikeability trained instructors.. The results, to date, are as follows: t Over 500 young people have participated in the Bikeability programme to date. Some 350 young people have been trained to Level 2 in Bikeability t Thirty five young people now attend weekly cycling training sessions, with the activities overseen by a newly formed committee, Manchester Cycle Sport t Two young people have received their Level 1 Cycling Coaches Award t Three young people have successfully applied for a Youth Opportunities Fund grant, being rewarded with £2,700 to buy new kit and extend coaching sessions. These young people play a key role in running the cycling club t The Go-Ride sessions have provided young people with an introduction to cycling. Twenty-four students have progressed on to club training, of which four have been identified as talented and been put on a performance programme t A new kit for club riders has been purchased, making them look and feel more professional t Four secondary schools have bikes on site, with a fifth set to follow suit t Three coaches have been trained as Bikeability instructors t Four secondary schools have entered a new local schools cycling competition. “Our school has really embraced cycling. Our students love it, it provides variety in curriculum provision and the new club link gives those who want it the opportunity to progress.” James Keulemans Headteacher, Our Lady’s RC High School For more information on Bikeability and National Standards for Cycle Training please go to: www.dft.gov.uk/bikeability — or to speak to the Youth Sport Trust: 01509 226600 or email bikeability@youthsporttrust.org IMPACT What difference has this made? t There has been a big increase in cycling levels amongst young people t Young people can now participate in a safe and co-ordinated cycling programme, with links from primary and secondary curriculum cycling, to cycling club sessions and performance cycling t The club and curriculum cycling sessions are on their way to becoming self sustaining in terms of organisation, funding and coaching. Why did it work? t All partners played a role by developing their expertise in the most relevant and effective areas t Eagerness of schools to develop more cycling opportunities in curriculum time t Willingness of the local community to take part in the running and organisation of the cycling club t Giving students a visible pathway to follow, providing performance-bound young people with the chance to shine. “The cycling coaching is great fun. Even my mum is getting involved!” Sebastian (aged 10)
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