Around 25 of Withernsea High School’s regular cyclists took up the offer of a free bike health check which was conducted by a technician from cycle charity R-evolution. Repairs ranged from brake and gear improvements to basic tyre inflation. In addition, over 40 sets of bike lights and locks were given away to help improve cycle safety and security in the local area.

Leading the school’s mission to promote active travel is Nick Richmond, teacher of PE, who said: “We were delighted to welcome Matthew Rogers from R-evolution who kindly joined us to complete a day of safety checks on our students’ bikes. Ensuring young people remain safe on their commute to and from school is essential, particularly in the winter months when the weather, combined with darker mornings and evenings, can further impact their safety.

“We aim to deliver as many cycle servicing and safety equipment giveaways as possible throughout the year and I’m pleased that an increasing number of students are making the most of these opportunities – demonstrating a clear understanding of the importance of staying safe, secure and visible.”

In recent months cycling has received increased prominence at the school after it was added to the PE curriculum – making Withernsea High one of the first schools in the country to regularly offer cycling as part of timetabled lessons.

This was achieved thanks to funding secured from the East Riding Road Safety Team and Sport England which facilitated the purchase of 25 mountain bikes, plus associated secure storage facilities. Throughout the first half of the autumn term, every student in years 7 and 8 has received at least one opportunity to cycle as part of their regular PE lessons.

Safe cycling will continue to be in the spotlight early next year when year 8 students will become some of the first in the country to engage in a pilot scheme of virtual road safety training. Delivered by The Bikeability Trust, a charity responsible for the national cycle training programme in England, students will use iPads to interact with road-based cycling scenarios.

Nick Richmond said: “This virtual approach to training will enable more students to take part in the Bikeability programme. When out on the roads, the ratio is usually one tutor to four students. Whereas with the virtual training, one tutor can potentially support a full class of approximately 30 students. Although it will never fully replicate or replace the practical experience of being physically out on the road, it will be a great introduction to Bikeability which students can carry forward into practical settings.”

Dr Dan Bishop, Director of Research for The Bikeability Trust, said: “Over the past year or so, we have worked in partnership with Bikeability training providers in various parts of England to see whether immersive cycle training can be delivered in their communities. We have some fantastic data to show that a combination of immersive cycle training and on-road experience is a good way to make improvements in all four of the key skills [observation, position, communication and priorities] laid out in the National Standard for Cycling.

“We have also found that the children’s performance in video-based situation awareness tests, a bit like the hazard perception test for driving, is closely related to how well they performed in the on-road cycling assessments when assessed by Bikeability instructors. In effect, we may have a really useful training and assessment tool that could be an indicator of a rider’s road readiness.”

Meanwhile, under the banner of the school’s Board for Change - a group of students who work collectively to help make significant changes for the benefit of their peers - the school’s dedicated active travel ambassadors are preparing for their first formal meeting of the new academic year which will see them reflect on last year’s successes while looking at ways to improve the promotion of active travel in the year ahead.

Their work to date, including activity days and prize giveaways designed to promote and encourage active travel, has led to the team being shortlisted for national awards. Nick Richmond added: “I am very proud of our active travel ambassadors who, along with many other students across the school, continue to lead the way for sustainable travel on a daily basis. We are looking forward to another exciting year of plans as we continue towards our aim of making a healthier, happier and more active Withernsea.”

ABOVE: Year 10 student Jayden is pictured with Active Withernsea engagement officer, Jennifer Lount, and teacher of PE, Nick Richmond, who leads the school’s efforts to promote active travel.

ABOVE: Matthew Rogers, a technician from cycle charity R-evolution, spent the day repairing students’ bikes and checking them for safety. R-evolution’s team of mechanics and volunteers regularly work around the Humber area, helping people get back into cycling through free cycle repairs, loans and training.

ABOVE: Year 7 student Warren was one of around 25 students who brought their bike in for a free service and safety check.

ABOVE: Year 8 student Harley checks his bike in for a service.