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Parents ban kids from cycling

A survey conducted by government-backed agency Cycling England revealed that parents are stopping children from cycling because of fears about road safety.

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Over one thousand parents took part in the survey which suggests that four out five children are banned from cycling to school, whereas 35 per cent of parents who took part were allowed to cycle to school when they were children.

The survey also revealed that 81 per cent of parents disallow children from riding their bike alone, with two-thirds saying they felt their child did not have the self-confidence and know-how needed to be able to ride on the road.

Phillip Danton, chairman of Cycling England, said ‘This research underlines the important role of cycling training in giving children the skills and confidence they need to cycle on the roads-and give parents the reassurance that their child is well equipped to do so'. He went on to add ‘Concerns about safety is understandable, but we need to remember that on-road accidents are in long term decline. Cycling to school or with friends could have a positive role in developing a child's independence.'

In order to encourage cycling to school while giving parents peace of mind, Cycling England is advising more schools to offer bicycle training schemes as part of the push to get more youngsters cycling  scheme.

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