main content Top cyclists in competition

Top young cyclists competed for the prestigious Cyclist of the Year trophy last week in Norman Park. Cheered on by Graham Cole, 'PC Stamp' from television's The Bill, the first prize of a new bike, worth £200, went to Daniel Morland, aged 11, who attends Crofton Junior School.

"Cycling is fun and is an easy way to get about - it can also give young people some independence. There are obviously road safety issues with riding a bike and our training tackles these issues head on. We train 'on the road' as this gives cyclists a much better understanding of real life situations. There is also a multiple choice written test - just like a real car driving test" said Sue Shillibear, Child Cycling Officer at the Bromley Council.

The competitors had all previously passed their cycling proficiency test with flying colours and had been invited to take part in the annual competition. The cyclists were marked on six tests. Each exercise was marked individually and the judging was very close. The tests included

• a highway code quiz;
• a bike maintenance test; and
• four riding exercises on a mock road layout in the park.

Over 500 children are trained every year across the borough to ride their bikes safely. Child cycle training is offered free to children who are at least 10 years old and who live in or go to school within the borough of Bromley. Further information is available online at www.bromley.gov.uk/roadsafety or by calling the Road Safety Unit on 020 8313 4546.

The Mayor of Bromley, Councillor Joan Wykes OBE, attended to open the proceedings and Graham Cole, PC Stamp from the television programme 'The Bill,' was on hand to give out the prizes. Prizes were donated with grateful thanks to Bigfoot Bikes, Halfords, Bristol Street Motors and Ruxley Cycles.

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Communications Advisor on 020 8461 7670, or Caroline Townsend on 020 8313 4498 or email caroline.townsend@bromley.gov.uk.