Enhancing Sefton Council's efforts to promote cycling as a common mode of transportation for schools
In the coastal town of Southport, Sefton Council teamed up with a cycling organisation for the first time, marking a significant step towards their goal of elevating cycling levels to European standards. The collaboration aimed to bring about infrastructure improvements and travel behaviour change programs.
The partnership proved to be a success, as the number of children in Sefton who never cycled to school almost halved, dropping to 34%. This impressive achievement was accompanied by a surge in Bikeability training participation. In Southport, the number of children participating in Bikeability training increased from 70% to 86%.
The impact of the scheme was particularly noticeable in 10 schools, where the Bikeability participation rate jumped to 86% just a year after the scheme began. The organisation's approach, which involved making cycling part of the school culture and engaging the entire local community, seemed to resonate with the schools and the community.
Sefton Council's efforts did not go unnoticed. In 2008, they were awarded almost £2 million to become a Cycle Town. Public Health director Janet Atherton, who became an avid cyclist after going on cycle training herself, played a crucial role in spreading the word about the scheme.
To further encourage cycling, special events were organised. 'Ditch the Stabilisers' events and all-inclusive cycle rides were popular among families, while an annual bike ride through the National Trust property at Formby inspired children and families about cycling. Special needs bikes were also made available for people with disabilities to participate in these events.
Today, in Sefton as a whole, 17% of children always cycle to school, and 51% say they sometimes cycle. These figures represent a significant increase compared to 2007, when only 2.8% of children in Sefton always or sometimes cycled to school.
The organisation's work did not stop in Southport. They later expanded their reach, now working with 41 schools throughout Sefton. Each year, schools are invited to an annual celebration of cycling achievements, where pupils and teachers enjoy tea and cake, while children receive their certificates.
The collaboration between Sefton Council and the cycling organisation has not only improved the cycling infrastructure in the area but also fostered a cycling culture that continues to grow in Sefton.
- The increased popularity of cycling in Sefton, thanks to the collaboration, has inspired other sectors to invest in eco-friendly transportation, leading to a growth in the finance industry's interest in home-and-garden projects designed for bike storage and maintenance.
- The lifestyle changes encouraged by the cycling collaboration are reflecting in local businesses, as more shops in Southport cater to the needs of cyclists, offering products ranging from bicycles to accessories and clothing, contributing to the 'green' image of the coastal town.
