Hull has maintained its status as one of the country’s top locations for the delivery of cycle training to children, according to new figures from The Bikeability Trust.
Between April 2023 and March 2024, 92% of Year 6 pupils in the city received either Level 1 and 2 or Level 2 Bikeability training (3,212 children, in total), putting Hull in the top 10 alongside Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, Plymouth City Council, Kirklees Council, Warrington Borough Council, North Lincolnshire Council, North East Lincolnshire Council, Lancashire County Council, Cambridgeshire County Council and Leeds City Council.
After taking over full delivery of all Bikeability training in the city last year, Hull City Council has taken additional steps to reduce cancellations and increase participation and has also rolled out training to all primary schools in the city.
Councillor Mark Ieronimo, cabinet portfolio holder for transportation, roads and highways, said: “We are very proud to see our city maintaining its position in the top 10 for cycle training for children in England.
“Hull has a long and well-established history when it comes to participation in cycling and, by teaching our young people this essential life skill, we are continuing this into the future.
“Not only does Bikeability teach them how to cycle, but it also supports independence and builds social skills and a sense of wellbeing.
“Delivering Bikeability training in the city helps the council to achieve several priorities set out by our residents in our community plan, including creating a fairer and healthier Hull, developing safe and welcoming neighbourhoods and tackling the climate emergency.
“The aim now is to continue to build on this success and to ensure no child leaves school without the knowledge, confidence and opportunity to cycle.”
Emily Cherry, chief executive of The Bikeability Trust, said: “I’m so proud of the 64,063 children in the Yorkshire & Humber region who are now equipped with the skills and confidence to thrive on a cycle.
“We know that there are so many physical and mental health benefits of cycling, and through Bikeability training these children will be able to make more sustainable transport choices for the rest of their lives.
“We couldn’t do it without our brilliant instructors and training providers in the Yorkshire & Humber, who are so committed to teaching young people this essential life skill.”
