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Parents 'stop children cycling' | |
(1 day later) | |
Parents' fears about road safety are turning children into a lost generation of cyclists, says a government-backed agency that promotes cycling. | Parents' fears about road safety are turning children into a lost generation of cyclists, says a government-backed agency that promotes cycling. |
Four out of five children are banned from cycling to school by their parents, a poll of 1,079 parents for Cycling England suggests. | Four out of five children are banned from cycling to school by their parents, a poll of 1,079 parents for Cycling England suggests. |
This compares with the 35% of parents who were allowed to bike to school when they were children themselves. | |
Launching Bike to School Week the group said road accidents are declining. | Launching Bike to School Week the group said road accidents are declining. |
The survey found 81% of parents ban children from cycling independently. | The survey found 81% of parents ban children from cycling independently. |
This was creating a new breed of "cul-de-sac kids" restricted to cycling only in their own road and neighbouring streets, Cycling England warned. | This was creating a new breed of "cul-de-sac kids" restricted to cycling only in their own road and neighbouring streets, Cycling England warned. |
Concern about safety is understandable, but we need to remember that on-road accidents are in long term decline Philip DarntonCycling England | Concern about safety is understandable, but we need to remember that on-road accidents are in long term decline Philip DarntonCycling England |
The biggest reason why parents did not let their child cycle on the road was concern about safety - but only 3% knew someone who had been in an accident. | The biggest reason why parents did not let their child cycle on the road was concern about safety - but only 3% knew someone who had been in an accident. |
In 2006 there were 10 times more accidents involving cars than there were accidents involving bicycles. | In 2006 there were 10 times more accidents involving cars than there were accidents involving bicycles. |
Most parents said cycle training would make them feel more reassured about their child cycling without any adult supervision. | Most parents said cycle training would make them feel more reassured about their child cycling without any adult supervision. |
And some two-thirds said they felt their child did not have the confidence and skills to ride on the road. | And some two-thirds said they felt their child did not have the confidence and skills to ride on the road. |
Although three-quarters of children are allowed to cycle for recreation at the weekend or after school, only one in five is allowed to use his bicycle as a way of getting from one place to another. | Although three-quarters of children are allowed to cycle for recreation at the weekend or after school, only one in five is allowed to use his bicycle as a way of getting from one place to another. |
More than half of the same parents said they had regularly used cycling as a way of getting around as a child. | More than half of the same parents said they had regularly used cycling as a way of getting around as a child. |
Cul-de-sac | Cul-de-sac |
Chairman of Cycling England Phillip Darnton said: "This research underlines the important role of cycling training in giving children the skills and confidence they need to cycle on the roads - and in giving parents the reassurance that their child is well equipped to do so. | Chairman of Cycling England Phillip Darnton said: "This research underlines the important role of cycling training in giving children the skills and confidence they need to cycle on the roads - and in giving parents the reassurance that their child is well equipped to do so. |
"Concern about safety is understandable, but we need to remember that on-road accidents are in long term decline. | "Concern about safety is understandable, but we need to remember that on-road accidents are in long term decline. |
"Every parent will want to ensure their children are kept safe, but they can't live out their lives within the shadows of the cul-de-sac, never able to venture further away from home," he added. | "Every parent will want to ensure their children are kept safe, but they can't live out their lives within the shadows of the cul-de-sac, never able to venture further away from home," he added. |
Cycling to school or with friends could have a positive role in developing a child's independence, he said. | Cycling to school or with friends could have a positive role in developing a child's independence, he said. |
Cycling England runs bicycle training schemes and a new proficiency scheme known as Bikeability. | Cycling England runs bicycle training schemes and a new proficiency scheme known as Bikeability. |
Mr Darnton is urging more schools to come forward and offer the training as part of the push to get more youngsters cycling. | Mr Darnton is urging more schools to come forward and offer the training as part of the push to get more youngsters cycling. |
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