SPEEDWAY TO BE TAUGHT IN SCHOOLS

NEWS Wednesday 1st April 2015, 9:00am

by Ray Baring

  Edinburgh Monarchs

Westminster has announced that motorcycle sports are to be made available to primary school pupils in England and Wales from early next year.

Included, are plans for Speedway to be taught to children as young as five years of age. Prototype electric bikes with a top speed of 25mph will be able to emulate adult machines by sliding round corners thanks to the installation of stablizers which can be removed as the young riders become proficient at cornering safely.

No special surface is necessary as the motor-cycles are fitted with tyres capable of sliding on playground tarmac or concrete and as the trainee becomes proficient then they can move up to 125 or 150cc junior bikes which are in widespread use in the UK at present.

The initiative should be welcomed by speedway's governing bodies who must see this as a wonderful opportunity at introducing youngsters to the sport. Who knows? We may see in a few years' time, talented children breaking through into competitive speedway.

Border Roofing Monarchs Chairman, Alex Harkess, said, "I'll be pushing for this initiative to be extended to Scotland as soon as possible."