Shireland Collegiate Academy’s year 7 students took part in a Bikeability assembly aimed at building confidence and awareness for travelling on the road. The session focused on road safety, personal responsibility and best cycling practices, giving students helpful guidance on travelling safely to and from school.
Students were also introduced to the opportunity to take part in Bikeability’s Level 3 training, which will be taking place at the Academy in the coming months. The advanced course equips young cyclists to navigate more challenging urban roads and busier streets, including multi-lane junctions and roads with speed limits above 30 mph. Students will also learn to ride alongside other cyclists, negotiate complex junctions and respond confidently to changing traffic situations.
School Principal, Thomas Daly, commented: “At Shireland, we want our students to feel confident and secure in all aspects of their lives. By helping them develop their cycling skills in a supported environment, we are not only equipping them for the road ahead but also promoting their wellbeing and fostering healthy habits that will last a lifetime. It’s an opportunity that benefits our students, families and the wider school community alike.”
Since its launch in 2007, Bikability has trained more than five million children across England. Funded by Active Travel and administered by the Bikeability Trust, the programme is delivered through local councils, partners and schools.
The Bikability Trust, the charity behind the programme, aims to make cycling accessible and enjoyable for every young person, no matter their ability or experience, encouraging a lifelong love of cycling and promoting active, healthy travel.
During the 2024-2025 academic year, 1,199 schools across the West Midlands took part in the programme, with students spending more than 286,000 hours developing their cycling skills. A 2019 study by SWQ, an independent research consultancy, found that children who completed Bikeability were significantly more likely to cycle regularly than those who did not, a testament to the programme’s lasting impact.
The Academy’s collaboration with Bikeability reinforces its commitment to promoting safe travel. By equipping students with the skills, confidence and awareness needed for responsible cycling, the Academy is helping pupils develop habits that will benefit them well beyond the school gates.
