Through the use of tablet technology, using pre-loaded videos featuring 360-degree views from a cyclist’s perspective, immersive reality cycle training allows classes of up to 30 students at a time to experience what it’s like to cycle on the road, without stepping outside the comfort of their classrooms.

The training, delivered by East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s road safety team, aims to enthuse young people about the benefits of cycling - encouraging more journeys by bike while preparing them for on-road experiences. It encompasses all levels of knowledge, from those who have no prior practise on the roads, to those who have previously completed Bikeability, the government’s national cycle training programme, at levels 1 and 2.

The project has so far been delivered in 14 secondary schools across the county. Among them is Withernsea High School, where the full year 8 cohort, approximately 150 students, recently took part in the training over two days.

Nick Richmond, a teacher of PE who oversees the school’s Active Travel projects, said: “The students fully engaged with the immersive reality experience, with many commenting how realistic they felt it was. The videos provided them with an opportunity to spot, assess and navigate hazards faced by cyclists – preparing them for the real-life scenarios that they may face on the roads.

“This virtual approach reinforces the knowledge that children have learnt in Bikeability training. When out on the roads, the ratio is usually one tutor to three riders for level 3 training. With the virtual training, one or two tutors can support a full class of approximately 30 students. Although it will never fully replicate or replace the practical experience of being physically out on the road, it is a great introduction to Bikeability training which students can carry forward into practical experience.”

Reflecting on the impact of immersive reality training, Julie Turrell, road safety and sustainable travel manager at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: "Children are excited about using the immersive reality technology on the tablets, especially Year 7. They are engaged throughout the session and the videos have prompted some excellent discussions about situations they may not have experienced before. We have delivered the session in many secondary schools across the East Riding, and in total we should reach over 2,500 students."

Since 2023, Withernsea High School has been one of a number of schools across the East Riding that has recruited ambassadors to help promote Active Travel across the school community. As part of their role, the ambassadors are required to complete their level 3 Bikeability training – a more advanced level of training, aimed at students aged 11 and above.

Bikeability helps participants to learn practical skills and understand how to cycle safely. In the East Riding, level 1 and 2 training is delivered to pupils in years 5 and 6 over two days.  Level 1 learning teaches children how to control their bikes – including setting off, cruising, slowing down, navigating obstacles, braking and stopping. It also teaches basic awareness, encouraging them to be aware of their surroundings.

Level 2 takes their learning on-road where they are taught how to negotiate quiet junctions, crossroads and roundabouts, while developing an understanding of signals, signs and road markings.

The level 3 training delivers advanced skills including the handling of more complex situations, including busier roads and those with more complicated layouts and junctions. It also teaches participants how to respond confidently when a situation changes, for example if a vehicle pulls out in front of them.

Immersive cycle training is the latest addition to a continuing programme of activities designed to encourage and support safe and sustainable travel for young people in the Withernsea High School community.

In recent months cycling has received increased prominence after it was added to the PE curriculum – making the school one of the first in the country to regularly offer cycling as part of timetabled lessons.

This was achieved thanks to funding secured from the East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Sustainable Travel Team and Sport England which facilitated the purchase of 25 mountain bikes, plus associated secure storage facilities. To date, every student in the school’s current year 7 and 8 cohorts has received at least one opportunity to cycle as part of their PE curriculum. Students have also been given opportunities to use the bikes as part an extra-curricular cycling club.

In addition, trained technicians from cycle charity R-evolution have provided free bike servicing – carrying out repairs ranging from brake and gear improvements to basic tyre inflation for the school’s regular cyclists.

Lights and locks giveaways, by the sustainable travel team at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, have helped to ensure bikes remain visible and secure, while helmet amnesties have seen the replacement of old and potentially dangerous cycle helmets with brand new ones. Helmets have also been distributed to students arriving at school by bike who were seen to be not wearing one.