The prestigious Cyclist of the Year trophy was up for grabs last weekend, as skilled bike enthusiasts from across the borough went head-to-head in Norman Park. The trophy was closely contested and eventually won by Chloe Reynolds from Beaverwood School, who was awarded with the top prize of a bike worth over £200 and a £75 cheque. On hand to cheer on the competitors and provide moral support was Graham Cole, or ‘PC Stamp’, as he is known on television’s The Bill.
“Not only is cycling an easy way to get about, it is environmentally friendly and gives young people a sense of independence. Obviously, there are road safety issues with riding a bike and these are covered fully in our training. We try to make the training as hands-on as possible, at the same time as making sure cyclists are equipped with the necessary knowledge before going out on the road.” said Andy Mills, Senior Road Safety Officer at 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
- four riding exercises on a mock road layout in the park
Over 700 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 ten 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.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
- Prizes were donated by Bigfoot Bikes, Halfords, Bristol Street Motors and Ruxley cycles
- The competition took place Saturday 15th July.
- For media enquiries, please contact Amy Bevins, Strategy Development Officer, on 020 8313 4738, or email amy.bevins@bromley.gov.uk . Alternatively, contact Andy Mills, Senior Road Safety Officer on 020 8313 4975, or email andy.mills@bromley.gov.uk. .
Further information is available at www.bromley.gov.uk/roadsafety