Obree sets children on right path

CYCLING legend Graeme Obree has launched Scotland's new cycle proficiency scheme - Bikeability Scotland - with the help of youngsters in Edinburgh.

Obree took part in the on-road training along with pupils from the city's Longstone Primary School yesterday.

The existing cycling proficiency scheme is being relaunched as a three-level cycle training programme designed to give children the road skills to travel independently to school on their bikes.

The move will see 40 per cent of youngsters take to the roads within five years to learn how to ride safely to school, compared with 27.5 per cent at present.

Currently, just 2.3 per cent of Scottish pupils cycle to school. The training includes planning the safest route along quiet roads and paths, and how to negotiate traffic and junctions.

Obree said having the confidence to let children out on their bikes gave them much more independence.