With recent improvements in cycling infrastructure and a need to find alternative ways of getting around when there are bus and train strikes, more people are turning to cycling as a solution.

As well as offering a host of physical and environmental benefits, Teddington's proximity to the royal parks and the Thames River paths provides ample opportunity to enjoy the area by bike. But many parents and their children lack the cycling skills needed to ride safely in their neighbourhoods. And many are put off by the congested roads they are exposed to. 

Enter, Blue Planet Cycle Training. 

Launched recently, the local business offers expanded cycle skills training for adults wanting to cycle to work or do errands by bike, or for their kids to ride safely to school. Based on the National Standard training program, courses are available for adults, children, families, groups, and workplaces, and is designed to increase a cyclist's skills in traffic.

Teddington resident and long-time cyclist, Briand Beausoleil, is the man behind the new venture. 

The former marketer told Nub News: "I used to commute into London for many years before there was the level of cycling infrastructure you see today. You need to develop skills and routines on those commutes, and use them repeatedly, to keep you safe. In Teddington, cycling is much safer and more efficient than people think.

"There are plenty of quiet roads to get around safely without going on main roads, but you still need to have the skills to ride in traffic. Blue Planet's training gives riders these skills and a renewed confidence to cycle safely on their neighbourhood roads. It's also fun and usually faster than using a car."

Mr Beausoleil and his team are all National Standard accredited cycling instructors and are approved to work with the local councils, providing Bikeability cycle instruction in schools. 

School schemes, generally stop providing cycle training at Year 6, but Blue Planet extends training for higher age groups and adults, on a one-to-one or small group basis. 

Mr Beausoleil says many parents want their children to ride to school but are put off with safety concerns. Blue Planet's Ride to School training helps with local route planning - taking the child from home to school on routes incorporating paths, bike lanes and quiet, low- traffic roads. The on-road course includes activities where kids learn how to identify and deal with dynamic hazards, manage junctions or position for best visibility. Parents can also do the course with their child, where they learn together.

Blue Planet Cycle Training offers a 'Ride to School' scheme as well as 1-2-1 training.

Blue Planet's Director Beausoleil added: "I've been living in Teddington since 2008 and too often see parents riding with their kids on busy roads, many times with the child behind the parent. We can help give these parents and their kids the skills to ride together more safely. 

"Teddington is a great place to live and easy to get around by bicycle. If we can give more people the skills and confidence they need to cycle on their local roads, we can help create a more cycle-centred community for everyone to live in, while reducing the carbon footprint."

Acquiring the necessary cycling skills will allow more residents to enjoy the beauty of the Richmond borough whilst commutting, including Richmond (pictured) and Bushy Park.

As well as the ride to school scheme, Blue Planet also offers 1-2-1 refresher courses, commute to work training, group training for those who are planning on participating in a mass cycling event like the Ride 100, or family coaching sessions, where the family learns together. 

For those wanting to find out more or have questions, Briand will be at Roan Records on March 4th, 11th, and 18th, from 3-4pm. Drop in for a coffee and a chat. Roan Records is at 12 Church Road, Teddington. 

The Blue Planet Cycle Training website can be accessed here.