CYCLE TASTER SESSIONS – EVINGTON PARK

Well done and thank you those who braved a damp and drizzly day to have a go at cycle taster sessions in Evington Park .

The idea came about when Rachael Lawton, Parks Officer, and I put our heads together in a joint effort to encourage greater use of Evington Park and to promote safe and responsible cycling.

To facilitate this, Rachael made three of the six tennis courts available and prepared a thorough risk assessment. I planned a one-hour training session to include a quick bike safety check and the need to wear a helmet and suitable clothing before getting on bikes. Then it was non-stop cycling! How to start and stop, followed by circuits of the tennis courts, weaving in and out of cones, controlled braking at a designated stop, emergency stop, looking behind and cycling one-handed in preparation for signalling when cycling on the road. The session concluded with a bike ride through the park on the cycle track – being aware and respectful of pedestrians. The emergency stop came in very handy when dogs and squirrels scampered in front of the cyclists without so much as a by your leave! We have to forgive them though, as they don't really know the rules of the road!

Holly (12) and Jack (7) attended the first session of the day. Grandad John watched. Rachael and Jane, park officers, joined in. Jane hadn't been on a bike for at least 20 years – but she soon got the hang of it! Zaheer (11), Ahmed (9) and their dad, Yakub, came along for the afternoon session. All participants said they'd learned something new and had a great time! Everyone went away with a goody-bag containing stickers, cycling accessories, and competitions to win a bike lock and bike computer.

Rachael is very keen for the cycle sessions to continue in Evington Park and we have planned one for Wednesday 8 April and one for Wednesday 27 May. See poster for details

The cycling sessions are FREE so come along and have a go. We'd love to see you.

Sue Massey