ForwardMotion is helping more young people in Southend get confident on two wheels after supporting Eastwood Primary School’s cycling celebrations last month during Cycle to School Week (October 13 – 17).
Pupils from Years 4 and 6 took part in Bikeability training, learning essential practical cycling and road-safety skills. The sessions were tailored to various abilities:
- Some pupils learnt to ride a bike for the first time.
- Others took part in on-road sessions to prepare for travelling independently to secondary school.
Council Leader Praises Active Travel
Cllr Daniel Cowan, leader of the council, said:
“It’s fantastic to see young people embracing cycling and active travel. Learning these skills at an early age doesn’t just help them get around safely, it builds confidence, independence, and healthy habits that will stay with them for life.
“Working with partners like ForwardMotion means we can give more children the opportunity to enjoy cycling, make everyday journeys healthier, and create a greener, more active Southend for everyone.”
Pupil Feedback on Bikeability
The training was a success with the pupils, who shared their positive experiences:
- Abiha and Cooper W both “learnt to ride for the first time.” Cooper added that he “can’t wait to share this news with his family.”
- Max W said he “is more likely to cycle to secondary school now he knows about primary and secondary position on the roads.”
- Jacob W and Beth W enjoyed “being on the roads and learning new skills” and “the freedom to cycling on her own on the roads,” respectively.
- Freya B noted that her “instructor was really patient and she enjoyed learning about junctions.”
- Chester “learnt how to check his bike and will show his parents how to do this.”