For the fourth year running, The Association of Bikeability Schemes (TABS) is holding a national training conference to share ideas and best practice, promote development and consolidate aims around the delivery of Bikeability.
Taking place on Tuesday 12 May, the 2015 Annual Bikeability Training Conference will be held at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester and is sure to be a lively event.
TABS is a trade association comprised of over 130 members, who cumulatively deliver training to over 120,000 children within the school environment. Working with the Department for Transport and other national stakeholders, the association aims to increase the number of people taking trips by bike - and for this to be done more often and more safely.
The conference will be chaired by Phillip Darnton OBE, with 30 varied workshops, presentations and practical sessions addressing issues such as delivery efficiency, supporting whole school outcomes and instructor development. Sessions will be facilitated by a varied panel of TABS members from across the country who will share insight into local projects.
Speaking a week before the event, Phillip Darnton said: “This year’s conference couldn’t really come at a more appropriate time, being held just after the election. I have a feeling this will result in a really vibrant forum, with our rich membership base blending experience to inspire new ideas and become a powerful voice to promote Bikeability to our new government. We’re all looking forward to meeting at the National Cycling Centre, which, as the home of British Cycling, is an entirely fitting host venue.”
Delegates include the TABS board, local authorities (both funders and in-house delivery partners), national cycling organisations, Bikeability providers and individual instructors; reflecting all facets of the association. British Cycling staff will be assisting with the delivery of the conference including Nick Chamberlin, Recreation, Education and Cycle Training Manager, who will be supporting a session on the engagement of BME children in Bikeability.
“This is a really fantastic opportunity to engage with the people who are going to make a difference”, said Nick, speaking of the rationale behind the workshop. “Though TABS members are hugely receptive to networking and the promotion of best practise, getting everyone in the same room and away from their working environments always results in some truly inspiring discussion.”
This national event is the first of two that will take place this year, with a further networking event in November which will showcase Bikeability’s achievements and potential to key stakeholders and funders.
