HAVING recently almost been knocked flat by a cyclist tearing along the pavement on Devizes Road and witnessed numerous adults on bicycles totally ignoring the fact that a red traffic light means stop, I would like to draw your attention to 1955 and the subject of this weeks ‘Bygone’.

Our picture shows eight children from Wilton Secondary Modern School who braved the icy winds and rain on a Saturday morning, on the parade ground of Southern Command Headquarters at Wilton. The children took their places as competitors in a cycling test arranged by the Wilton Road Safety Committee.

They were Suzanne Pilcher, Margaret Harris, Anna Shaw, Valerie Holbon, Dorothy Stout, Mary McKenney, Felton Kelly and Peter Robinson. The test was one of a monthly series based on a book issued by the Royal Society for the prevention of accidents called The Proficient Cyclist, and included examinations of the maintenance and adjustment of the bicycles, riding positions and cycle control, signalling, and general knowledge of the Highway Code. This test was part of a national scheme for testing the skill of young cyclists throughout Britain, and encouraging them to be more proficient.

Mr VC Chapman, a teacher at the school, said that six of the eight contestants satisfied the examiners who included Sergt LE Clarke, of the Wilton Section of Wilton Constabulary. Those pronounced proficient by the society received pennants for their cycles, and certificates. Silver proficiency badges cost 1s.

It was hoped that a joint presentation of certificates to successful candidates would take place at a later date when a celebrity would be present.

Today, Bikeability is the cycle training programme for children, adults, new learners and experienced cyclists – perhaps some people should heed their training!