The new learn-to-ride facility at King George V Playing Fields is open to use...
Young cyclists at Holywell Primary School helped launch Watford’s recently completed learn-to-ride facility at King George V Playing Fields, which aims to help more children to travel by bike safely and confidently.
To help introduce the town’s new training resource, which will be led and coordinated by community group Watford Cycle Hub, the pupils took part in a ‘Bikeability’-style training session, which demonstrated how full courses are run during most school holidays with approved instructors.
Bikeability is just one course in a whole programme of cycle training offered by Watford Cycle Hub, which can take both children and adult trainees from the basics of balance and control, to planning and making an independent journey on busier roads.
The facility, which includes miniature roadways, traffic signs, markings and a model electric charging point, was completed thanks to funding from Watford Borough Council, Sport England, British Cycling and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). It will allow children of all abilities an opportunity to gain practical skills and understand how to cycle on today’s roads.
Samuel, a student at Holywell Primary School said: “I recently learnt that there are around one billion bikes in the world which can save around 238 million gallons of fuel every year. I had so much fun taking part and places like this are great to help the people my age learn cycling skills and stay safe.”
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “Cycling is a fun, enjoyable and affordable way for people to get to school, the shops or see their friends. It’s also environmentally friendly and has a positive impact on mental and physical health. This provision will help to teach people not only how to ride a bike, but also the rules of the highway and how to be a considerate cyclist.”
Portfolio Holder for Parks, Cllr Tim Williams said: “We know not all children, or parents, feel bike-confident, so providing Learn to Ride and Bikeability training within this facility will help to inspire even more of the next generation to take to the roads as confident and capable cyclists. It will also play an important role in helping people choose a more active way to travel and achieve our net-zero emission targets.”
Andy Farr, British Cycling’s Head of Business Planning and Transformation, added: “We’re really pleased to have been able to support the new learn-to-ride facility. This new addition will be the perfect cycling facility to get young children excited about getting out on their bikes and is an important opportunity for us to help young people develop both a love of cycling and for the outdoors.”
The new facilities and training programme at King George V Playing Fields will enhance the town’s current cycling offer, with the council’s other investments including a new building for Watford Cycle Hub, expanding the successful Beryl Bike share scheme and providing wheeled sport facilities at the ever-popular Oxhey Activity Park. For more information on upcoming courses, please visit watfordcyclehub.org.uk or britishcycling.org.uk.
