A NUMBER of Year 6 pupils took part in a level three Bikeability cycle proficiency course ­— aimed at riders ready to take on busier roads, and negotiate more complex junctions and multi-lane traffic.

Pupils from Wootton Bridge Community Primary School successfully navigated some of the Island's more challenging roads, including Coppins Bridge in Newport.

The training was run as part of the Department of Transport’s Bikeability funding, managed by the Isle of Wight Council, and carried out in schools by partner, Shift-It.

Ross Edmunds, Shift-It project manager, said: “It is important to give our children the training required to travel independently and as safely as possible to and from school.

"This becomes even more important when they transition from primary to secondary school.

“As we all know, travelling more actively to school also has several other benefits, such as reducing car pollution, improving physical and mental well-being, and increasing young people’s independence."

Jane Wilford, Wootton headteacher, said: “We are constantly seeking ways to promote active travel to school, and were delighted to be involved with further training for our pupils.

“The children thoroughly enjoyed the day, which they said was challenging but good, as they now feel so much more confident to cycle on the roads, ready to go off to high school.”