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 [email protected]
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)