With the Easter school holidays approaching, Bristol-based cycling charity Life Cycle UK is offering the perfect solution for bored kids and stressed parents. Two special three-day cycle training courses are being run to get children in years 5, 6 and 7 (which usually means 9 to 12 year olds) out of the house and onto their bikes. The courses will take place at Bristol Grammar School, Elton Rd, Clifton.

According to official statistics, in the UK around 27 per cent of children are now overweight and research suggests the main problem is a continual reduction in the amount of exercise children take. Yet 90 per cent of children own a bike and children are keen to use them. Cycling is excellent exercise – it is also practical transport (perfect for the trip to school, for example) and great fun.

Life Cycle UK’s training manager Tamar Thompson explains: “Our courses run for two hours a day over three days. Instead of drilling children around traffic cones on school playgrounds, we engage with the young people in an exciting, interactive way. They spend most of their time out on local roads learning about real-life traffic situations, learning how to “read the road”, and how to carry out essential manoeuvres with skill and confidence.”

Courses will run from 10am – 12 noon on 3rd, 4th and 5th April and again on 10th, 11th and 12th April, and cost just £15 per child for the three day course.

To find out more about Life Cycle UK’s training courses or to book a place contact: Life Cycle UK on or visit www.lifecycleuk.org.uk

Life Cycle UK is also working with Ashton Park Sports Centre to accommodate parents who need their children to be busy for longer over the half term period – ideal for working parents.. The Sports Centre will be including cycle training sessions within their 1/2 and whole day holiday courses.

For more information about half and fully day courses at Ashton Park Sports Centre, contact or visit http://www.ashtonparksports.com.