LITHERLAND'S Go-Ride cycling scheme for children has gone from strength-to-strength since its initial conception in 2006 - thanks mainly to the dedication of volunteer coaches from Liverpool Mercury.
Since then, the Litherland Sports Park based club has progressed from coaching just a handful of children to nearly 40 every Monday evening.
Siblings Daisy, four and, George, seven, are just two of the young children who flock to the centre every week for the chance to whiz round the £350,000 cycle track - all under the guidance of fully-qualified coaches.
Parents Joe and Suzie Pomford said: "It's great for the two of them and the coaches are brilliant with all the children. George and Daisy both really look forward to coming every Monday."
Children start off learning basic skills delivered in a traffic free environment before moving onto basic road skills on quiet roads and then advanced road skills on busier roads.
Supported and funded by Sefton Council's Sefton Cycling Academy and British Cycling, Liverpool Mercury was awarded their coveted Go-Ride Clubmark accreditation in June.
Go-Ride's coaching activities have been designed to introduce young people to a range of cycling disciplines, such as BMX, cycle speedway, cyclo-cross, mountain biking, road and track riding - whatever a child's age or ability, there will be something to suit them.
Chief coach Mick Brady said: "This all started off about two years ago, when we had about three or four children taking part but now we've got around 14 to 30-odd turning up per session.
"The Go-Ride scheme will be running right through the school holidays every Monday night and the children are really enjoying it.
"One of the young girls here has gone from riding with stabilisers to riding without in just a few weeks. It's amazing just how quickly these children develop with a bit of coaching."
For further information visit www.liverpoolmercury.co.uk or www.britishcycling.org.uk.
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