An initiative helping young people gain confidence cycling safely around Bridgwater is continuing to grow, Bridgwater Town Council’s Transport Forum has heard.
Members received an update on the ‘Bridgwater on the Move’ programme at their March meeting. The initiative promotes safe cycling and active travel by providing practical training for Year 5 and Year 6 pupils at local primary schools.
Sessions include bike handling in school playgrounds, on‑road training, “On Your Bike” maintenance classes and popular “Dr Bike” workshops offering safety checks and basic repairs.
Transport Forum Chair Tim Mander said,
“It was great to hear of the progress being made with a number of Bridgwater schools to get children active and on their bikes.
“The more children that cycle can lead to a smaller number of parents having to drive their children to school, helping to ease congestion for those who do have to drive. Children will also be more active and pollution will be reduced- a definite win‑win.”
The ‘On the Move’ programme supports pupils to apply their training to real‑life journeys, helping them understand how to mount and dismount safely, make controlled turns and ride with greater road awareness. This increased confidence has already encouraged more children to cycle to school.
The On Your Bike sessions emphasise the importance of maintaining bicycles properly to ensure safety when travelling around the town. Meanwhile, the Dr Bike workshops have been warmly received, delivering a range of essential fixes and thorough safety inspections.
The group are working with or have previously worked with Cannington, Otterhampton, Northgate, Eastover, St Mary’s, Wembdon, St John Francis and North Newton primary schools. In year two of the programme, they hope to extend this reach to further primary schools.
Bridgwater Town Council continues to champion initiatives that support healthier lifestyles, reduce car dependency, and promote safer streets for all.
Residents can learn more about walking and cycling routes in the town through The Bridgwater Way
