Students use VR to learn to cycle on roads

The technology recreates rides from a cyclist’s viewpoint to prepare children for cycling on roads

A group of students at a Bournemouth school have been using virtual reality (VR) to prepare them for cycling on the roads.

The Year 7 students at The Bourne Academy have taken part in a programme alongside physical training on bikes.

The technology uses electronic tablets to recreate road-based cycling scenarios with students able to see 360-degree views to navigate their bike route.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) Council said the students were the first in the country to use the new virtual cycling training sessions.

Dr Dan Bishop, director of research at The Bikeability Trust which created the programme for school children, said: "This exciting project is the culmination of years of trialling and refinement.

"The unique blend of academic and real-world riding expertise has led to the development of a rigorous and practical training protocol that has the potential to change lives."

Eleanor, who was among the students who took part in the trial, said: "It made me feel like I was actually riding a bike down certain roads.

"I learnt a lot about which way to look, as well as things like major and minor roads."

The scheme, led by BCP Council Bikeability instructors, is aiming to train 1,000 students in schools across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole before the end of March.

It forms part of the council’s aim to get 50% of journeys walked, wheeled or taken by public transport within the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area by 2030.