New research suggests nearly two-thirds (63%) of parents feel more confident allowing their children to cycle on the roads when there are safe cycle routes.
The research was carried out by YouGov for Transport for Greater Manchester, where some £50m per year is being spent on infrastructure to support walking, wheeling and cycling.
The research also found that 75% of parents in the North West think it’s important for children to receive professional cycle training, with 73% saying it’s important for cycle training to be on the school curriculum.
Dame Sarah Storey, active travel commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: “I’m not surprised to see over 7 in 10 parents agree with the importance of professional cycle training for their children and the same number would like to see it included on school curriculums.
“Apart from the physical health benefits, cycling enables older children more independence and research from The Netherlands frequently cites cycling as a reason why Dutch children are amongst the happiest in the world.”
The Bikeability Trust is using the findings of the research to boost its call for the Government to add cycling to the national curriculum.
Emily Cherry, chief executive at The Bikeability Trust, said: “It’s fantastic to see so much support for cycling in the North West, particularly for professional cycle training and for cycling to be on the school curriculum, just like swimming is.
“Cycling builds confidence, unlocks freedom, embeds healthy habits, protects the planet; and creates safer and more pleasant neighbourhoods.
“Professional cycle training and protected infrastructure are both key links in the chain driving the shift in how we travel.
“To achieve 50% of journeys walked and cycled in our towns and cities by 2030, we need sustained investment from the Government to fund cycle training for every child.”
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