Parents have called for a rethink after Tayside Police confirmed it will no longer provide cycle training in primary schools.
The classes have been a staple of the force’s road policing unit for generations, with youngsters gaining vital bike skills and forming a bond with officers.
From this term however, the police will no longer be providing the cover, leaving it instead to councils and charities. The move has led some schools to issue a desperate plea for volunteers.
Although many cycling schemes will continue, parents are concerned that, with no mandatory cover, some schools could miss out.
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser said: ”The news that Tayside Police has withdrawn from cycle training worries and disappoints me. Thorough cycle safety training is a must for youngsters.
”The SNP Government cannot justify cutting key resources when it could put young lives in danger.
”Moreover, engendering positive relations between local police officers and young children is a vital link in fostering positive attitudes towards law enforcement.
”In an age where anti-social crimes blight our streets, these officers operated as role models for our children to look up to.”
A spokeswoman for Tayside Police said the service has ”evolved”.
She said: ”Through engaging with our partners in the community and with the excellent support provided by them, the active role of Tayside Police has been revised from originally undertaking all aspects of cycle training to devolving these responsibilities to other suitably trained staff, parents and volunteers.
”The level of training provided to these persons is to a national standard prescribed by Cycling Scotland and this serves to ensure that a high standard of child cycle training continues to be provided within primary schools.”
A spokesman for Fife Constabulary said it is in a similar position, having pulled out of schools earlier in the year.
Local authorities said they are comfortable with the new arrangements.
A spokesman said: ”Angus Council will continue to offer cycle training using Cycling Scotland’s national resource Bikeability, which offers various levels of skill instruction.
”Ongoing assessment of the cycling capability of children will be carried out by volunteers or teachers leading the training.
”Active School co-ordinators will continue to assist in organising cycle training and will also train volunteers or school staff.”
A spokeswoman for Perth and Kinross Council said training was already in place allowing ”uninterrupted provision for children.”
She added: ”Arrangements have been made in partnership with Cycle Scotland to run a number of training courses for school staff, parents and volunteers.”
A Dundee City Council spokesman said: ”Cycle training for primary schools has been provided by Dundee City Council’s Active Schools team for a number of years.”
Photo by Andrew Milligan/PA Wire