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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES BY DEPUTY A.K.F. GREEN OF ST. HELIER
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 9th MARCH 2010
Question
Would the Minister advise the Assembly whether the number of child cyclists for the years 2005 to 2009 inclusive has reduced?
Answer
The absolute number of children cycling is not known. It is therefore difficult to give exact numbers relating to cyclists during any given period.
However, the Health Related Behaviour Survey asks school children in school year six, eight and ten to describe various aspects of their health including exercise. Cycling is an activity which children identify as a way of exercising. By comparing school children's answers to similar questions asked in the surveys of 2002 and 2006 trends for children cycling in these age groups can be estimated.
Between 2002 and 2006 there has been an overall downward trend in children who describe riding a bike more then once a week as a means of exercise. The reduction is particularly marked in year 8 and 10 children (see fig 1 below). These figures mean that there were 221 fewer children cycling more then once a week in 2006 then in 2002.
Figure 1: Percentage of Children Cycling at Least Once a Week
40 35 30 25
20
15 2002
10 2006 Percentage5
0
Year 6 Year 8 Year 10 Year Groups
Source Health Related Behaviour Surveys (2002, 2006)
To summarise, there is evidence to show that school children in year 6. 8 and 10 are cycling less.
A critical success factor in promoting and protecting children's health will be to encourage more children back onto their bikes as part of their everyday routine.
A wide range of States of Jersey initiatives are working hard to make this a reality. They include Healthy Schools, Safe Routes to Schools, Eco- Active Schools and the Sustainable Transport Policy and the further development of cycle routes.