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Adults have been afforded the opportunity improve their cycling skills through a joint initiative between the States and the Health Improvement Commission, with more than 20 people signed up so far.
The courses take place in the early evenings and at weekends at a variety of venues to suit riders' needs. The sessions have been improving attendees’ cycling handling skills off the roads before taking the riders in small groups on increasingly busier streets.
Colin Le Page, Manager of Strategy & Policy at Traffic & Highway Services said he was delighted to hear positive feedback, and said everyone from complete beginners to those simply wishing to improve confidence are welcome.
“The qualified instructors can assist with journey planning, road positioning and navigating junctions,” he added.
Pictured: The courses seek to improve cycling proficiency on the islands roads.
Alex Costen from the Health Improvement Commission said it is important to promote cycling as part of daily life, instead of using a car for every journey.
"This opportunity is supporting even more people to introduce active travel into their everyday lives. Cycling helps both our planet and our well being - learning to cycle is also an important life skill, which we know not everyone gets a chance at in childhood.
“We are looking forward to seeing more adults gaining confidence to start cycling as a regular means of getting around the island."
Several members of the public shared their thoughts on the scheme. One said: “I cannot believe how safe I felt and, in turn, the confidence boost that session gave me.”
Another spoke of the skill of the instructors, saying they were respectful of people’s abilities but not afraid to “gently push” outside the comfort zone.
“I honestly cannot recommend this initiative enough and the difference it would make to adult riders hitting the roads again after an extended time,” they said.
Anyone interested in taking a course can email bikeability@gov.gg to sign up.
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