ACCORDING to one famous US president ‘nothing compares with the simple pleasure of a bike ride.’ John F Kennedy was absolutely right, and I’m sure plenty of families have been making the most of the summer to get out on their bikes and enjoy the simple pleasure he was talking about.

Cycling’s popularity has grown enormously over the past few years, partly due to the tremendous achievements of the Team GB track cyclists and the exploits of Sir Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome in the Tour de France.

With our cyclists enjoying another successful Olympics in Rio, many people will inevitably pick up the cycling bug.

The beauty of cycling is that anyone can take part and, as well as being a great way to explore your local area, there are obvious health benefits.

It’s important, however, that if people do decide to get on their bikes safety is at the forefront of their minds, which is why I was delighted to hear that the Department For Transport had awarded us £154,695 to continue our Bikeability training in schools.

Bikeability teaches children practical skills and is based on the National Standards for Cycle Training.

It is developed by professional cycling instructors and gives children the skills and confidence to ride safely on the roads and in their local areas.

It’s mainly aimed at Year 6 pupils, but the council does offer training to secondary school pupils.

Part of the Government funding will be used to train staff as National Standard Instructors, to support school staff or volunteers to get training so they can deliver Bikeability programmes within schools themselves.

It is a fantastic scheme which has been delivered to more than 4,300 pupils over the last four years.

And I would encourage anyone interested in accessing the training for their child to get in touch with their school.

Working in partnership with British Cycling and Sky we have also had another very successful summer of Sky Rides in the borough – a series of free, guided bike rides on Sundays, covering a wide range of distances.

There are still some of these events on offer, so book your place by going online at www.goskyride.com/swindon If you can’t ride a bike, or feel your cycling skills are a bit rusty, then there are also various weekly sessions held at the Swindon County Ground Athletics track.

Some of these are suitable for people with health conditions and disabilities. To find out more, email communityhealthandwellbeing@swindon.gov.uk or call 01793 465404.

Finally, keep an eye on your post. Over the coming weeks, every household in Swindon will receive details of our consultation asking residents for their views on proposals to create four new parishes in Swindon.

We also want your views on the proposed changes to existing parish council boundaries.

It’s important, and we are keen to hear what you think.