A 6 week block of balance bike sessions were organised from October to December 2017 in Invershin Hall, following a successful session in the Kyle of Sutherland Gala week. The Invershin Hall committee applied to the 2 local Community Councils, Creich and Ardgay & District, and are very grateful for their financial support to pay for the coach and equipment. Also thanks go to the Keep Active Together Project for the use of their balance bikes for children who didn’t have their own. 

 

Amanda Wagstaffe, who is a coach at East Sutherland Wheelers Cycling Club, led the sessions. Balance bikes are a great way for young children to learn to steer and balance on a bike before a pedal bike is introduced, but there should be no need for stabilisers! 

 

A total of 18 children took part in the sessions over the 6 weeks; children came from Invershin, Lairg, Ardgay, Bonar Bridge, Edderton and Golspie!  All children showed an improvement over the weeks, had a fun time and enjoyed making new friends. The children, aged 2-5 years old, learned to go over ramps, through a tunnel, over a see-saw, riding over different surfaces and in and out of cones. They were also challenged to go around the circuit as fast as they could and then try and beat their time on a second attempt.  

 

There are plans in place to run another 6 week block in February 2018. They have also been contacted to gain feedback on the sessions. One parent commented: “my son had never gone on a bike before and now have developed great balance for transition to a proper bike”. 

 

Please visit the Invershin hall Facebook page for pictures and a video of the sessions.

 

Further sessions have been organised for 2018 with the progression onto push bikes!!