Wiltshire Council celebrates 50,000 children trained through Bikeability programme

Wiltshire Council’s Bikeability programme has reached a major milestone, with 50,000 children across the county now trained to cycle safely and confidently for everyday journeys.

The achievement highlights the long‑term success of the council’s Bikeability training, which supports young people to develop essential road safety skills and encourages safe, sustainable travel from an early age.

The success was celebrated with the Bikeability Trust and pupils at Aloeric Primary School in Melksham, where Leo – the 50,000th child to be trained through the programme – was presented with a new bike by Cllr Martin Smith, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Highways, and Emily Cherry, Chief Executive of the Bikeability Trust.

Cllr Smith said: “Reaching 50,000 children trained through Bikeability in Wiltshire is a fantastic achievement and a real testament to the dedication and expertise of our instructors and support teams.

“Bikeability plays an important role in helping young people develop life‑long skills, improve their confidence, and stay safe while cycling. It also supports Our Wiltshire Plan ambitions to improve road safety and encourage healthy, sustainable travel across Wiltshire.

“I’d also like to pay tribute to our team of 30 qualified Bikeability instructors, who do a fantastic job working closely with schools to provide high‑quality, practical cycle training for pupils.”

Emily Cherry, Chief Executive of the Bikeability Trust, said: “Reaching 50,000 children trained in Wiltshire is a fantastic milestone and a testament to the commitment of the council, instructors, and schools who make Bikeability possible.

“Giving children the skills and confidence to cycle safely and confidently on today’s roads is important not only for their independence, but for building healthier, more active communities.

“It’s inspiring to see the local impact of the programme, helping more young people discover the freedom and joy of cycling for everyday journeys.”

One Aleoric Primary School pupil, Hugo, said: “My favourite part was putting all the training into practice by leaving the school and going on the roads.”

Naylah said, “It was really fun. The instructors were kind, and my mum trusts me now that I know how to be safe.”

Frankie said, “All of the instructors were really nice. I now ride my bike more safely and understand the rules of the road.”

Jasmine said, “I am able to ride my bike more now and more confidently after finishing the course.”

Each year, around 3,500 children benefit from Bikeability training in Wiltshire. It is designed to give children – and adults – the skills and confidence they need to cycle safely on today’s roads.

To find out more about Bikeability in Wiltshire, visit Bikeability and road safety information.