The Year 9/10 ESOL students are delighted to share some exciting news from yesterday's Ride On Cycle Skills Training Programme, organised in collaboration with Sport Tasman and the Nelson City Council. The ESOL students had a fantastic time participating in this engaging and informative event.

The Ride On Cycle Skills Training Programme, delivered by Sport Tasman, is designed to provide our students with best practice cycle skills training. The safety and skill development of our young cyclists was paramount throughout the day. Here's a brief overview of the day's activities:

Grade 1 Training: In a controlled, non-traffic environment, students focused on building fundamental skills. This included learning to start and stop their bikes, mastering steering techniques, and even practicing riding with one hand for signalling. Importantly, they began to understand what constitutes a safe bike and helmet, the legal requirements for cycling on the road, and honed their bike control and observation techniques.

Grade 2 Training: Building on the skills acquired in Grade 1, students ventured onto lightly trafficked, single-lane roads. They refined their bike handling skills, with a focus on safe turning manoeuvres and developing keen observation techniques. The students delved deeper into defensive cycling strategies, basic road rules and the importance of cycling in the appropriate lane position to "see and be seen" in various traffic situations.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated instructors who made this day possible: Anita Currie, Emma Goble, Martin Harvey, Justine Judge and Verity Simpson. They generously gave up their time to guide our students, who thoroughly enjoyed their experience. As a token of appreciation, the day concluded with ice cream treats and a delightful picnic lunch in the park at lunchtime.

We're proud of our students for their active participation and enthusiasm throughout the programme. It's evident that they not only had fun but also gained valuable skills and knowledge that will serve them well on the road.

Thank you to Sport Tasman and the Nelson City Council for making this opportunity available to our students. We look forward to more such enriching experiences in the future.

Please don't forget to support our young cyclists as they put their new skills and confidence into practice.