SQW Group (United Kingdom)

Abstract This study explores Pathways to engage children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in nature-based activities. It discusses challenges in balancing multiple demands on National Parks to protect biodiversity and meet human recreational needs, suggesting that regional parks that combine wild and managed areas offer a better solution than doing nothing and allowing yet further human encroachment on 'pristine' natural environments. The study concludes how the participants of the study frames and/or defines the progress in relation to nature.

Evidence in support of cycle training is limited, and its potential to improve safety and make a tangible difference to cycling levels is unclear. Nevertheless, Bikeability, the UK government’s cycle training programme introduced in 2006, is widespread in schools and is actively supported by many parents/carers. This paper draws together a number of evidence sources in an attempt to understand the role of cycle training as one among several measures for increasing active travel. It reviews existing research regarding the role of and outcomes from cycle training for children before offering an overview of the current distribution of cycle training in English schools. Next it draws on two new data sources – the 2014 CensusAtSchool and the 2014 Bikeability School Travel Survey – to explore outcomes, experiences and perceptions of cycling and cycle training from a child’s perspective. From this it draws conclusions regarding the role of cycle training in schools and elaborates on what this means for policy makers and practitioners.