A cycling proficiency programme to equip students with skills to navigate the streets safely on two wheels was launched Saturday morning at Qiaonan Primary in Tampines.

Named Bike Smart Tampines, the programme focuses on cycling in local traffic condition from riding on footpaths to cycling paths and roads. Tampines is the only town in Singapore where cycling is allowed on footpaths.

Taught by external trainers, the programme also includes a hands-on session to teach children bike handling skills and to follow traffic rules. It will subsequently be rolled out to all 22 schools in Tampines GRC.

Said Tampines GRC MP Irene Ng, one of the grassroots advisers at the launch: "We want to reach out to children to develop them as responsible and safe cyclists, and one of the best ways is through schools. We see more children cycling around the estate and some ride to school. This is something that we encourage as cycling is an eco-friendly, sustainable and healthy mode of transport. It also reduces road congestion and eases the pressure on our bus network. But we want the children to be able to ride safely and responsibly, for their own safety as well as of those around them."