Cycling to health
Bike project is a winner
More than 50 pupils and parents from Meigle Primary School arrived at school on two wheels recently as part of a day-long celebration of Sustrans Scotland’s I Bike programme.
And all those who took part were rewarded with a free, healthy breakfast before lessons began for the day.
They were also able to enjoy taster cycle skills sessions where they learned basic bike handling skills such as slow speed control, balance and braking.
Meigle Primary School is one of 12 schools in Perth and Kinross in which Sustrans Scotland I Bike officer, Robyn Warburton, is working throughout the academic year.
The I Bike Programme, which is run in partnership with Perth and Kinross Council, delivers a pro-cycling curriculum to try to encourage children to be more active.
Head teacher Joanna Robertson, said: “We are delighted to have been selected as one of 12 schools taking part in this project as everyone is keen to promote cycling within our school and the community.”
Primary school support worker Amanda Wilson has been instrumental in the school’s involvement in active travel initiatives. She said: “We would like to say a big thank you to the parents for making the effort and supporting the school in this.
“This is our second bike breakfast, we did one earlier in the year as part of the Big Pedal initiative. It’s something the pupils enjoy and that we will look at doing again.”
Robyn said: “I’m really looking forward to getting to know the whole school community here at Meigle and seeing what creative ideas we can come up with to encourage our pupils to choose healthier and more sustainable travel choices which can last them into adulthood.”
Robyn will be organising practical activities and classroom sessions which are designed to give children the skills and confidence they need to travel actively and safely both to school and in their free time.
And last week pupils celebrated World Car Free Day on September 22 by travelling to school on decorated bikes and scooters for their newly-appointed Bike Crew to judge.