As the Portuguese Government puts plan forward for cycling to be part of the countries national school curriculum maybe now is the time for the UK to follow suite.

Childhood obesity is at an all time high in the UK, in Wales alone the overweight rates in under 16s are 35% for boys and 33% for girls a report from teaboom.net has suggested. While the Daily Mail notes a 15% on Childhood obesity just this year.

So action needs to be taken soon in order to secure the health of future generations.

The use of bikes in Portugal has been low for a very long time, cycling currently only makes up 0.5% of commuting transport in the country. So the government is taking drastic action and making cycling lessons compulsory in all schools.

Xavier Brice, CEO for Sustrans, the U.K. walking and cycling charity, praised the proposed plans saying:

“Whether your child gets cycle training at school is currently a ‘postcode lottery’ in the U.K. Putting cycling on the school curriculum would help ensure every child has the same opportunity to get these skills that are so vital for a healthy and happy childhood, and for later life.”

Problems at Home

So what are the problems the UK is experiencing currently with cycling in school?

Bikeability is the current programming working with schools to train pupils on cycling awareness, replacing the cycling proficiency test. It is the public face of National Standard Cycle Training and currently runs the scheme under three different levels:

• Level 1 teaches basic bike-handling skills in a controlled traffic-free environment.
• Level 2 teaches trainees to cycle planned routes on minor roads, offering a real cycling experience.
• Level 3 ensures trainees are able to manage a variety of traffic conditions and is delivered on busier roads with advanced features and layouts.

However Bikeability tends to be an after-school activity rather than delivered as part of lessons and as efficient and well received these classes can be, Schools are not currently required to include them.

Health Benefits to Cycling

Now not only is cycling a key way to burn fat and lose weight, a great way to help with Britain’s current childhood obesity issues but it is also proven to help with mental health well being and cut the risks of diseases like Heart Disease and cancer.

A study conducted by the University of Glasgow, earlier this year. Researchers studied over 260,000 individuals over the course of five years found that cycling to work can cut a riders risk of developing heart disease or cancer in half.

While Former Hour Record holder Graeme Obree who has suffered from depression through much of his life, told British Cycling: “Getting out and riding will help [people suffering with depression]… Without cycling, I don’t know where I would be.”

It is hard to not see a common link between cycling and living a healthy lifestyle.

At a time when the NHS is under more strain than at any point in its 70 year history, perhaps it is time that the Government starting putting money into a cycling programme that is compulsory in UK schools. Or at least helped helped Bikeability become a classroom staple.

If we follow the example being made by Portugal then cycling can go a long way in not just helping the next generation of children with their physical and mental health – but generations to come.

picture from https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/education

Article By Jack Sanders