Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Pedal power secures prestigious accolade
North Lanarkshire Active Schools is geared up for success after it was recognised with the prestigious Annual Achievement Award from Bikeability Scotland.
The impressive accolade is presented in honour of the organisation’s work to double the delivery rate of Bikeability Scotland training to school children in the area, which has created a model that can support more schools in future years.
Bikeability is the national cycle training programme for school children, managed by Cycling Scotland.
Since it began in 2010, more than 350,000 pupils have received cycle training in Scotland. During the 2020/21 school year, more than 40,000 pupils received training, despite the disruption to schools and their teaching caused by the pandemic.
Ross Sweeney, senior sports development officer at North Lanarkshire Council, said: “Over the course of 2020-21 in a really difficult year for all, the North Lanarkshire Active Schools Team used this opportunity to deliver as much Bikeability Scotland training as possible.
“Working alongside schools, we were able to deliver more Bikeability Scotland level 1 and 2 than ever before both at the schools and the Strathclyde Park Outdoor Education Programme.
“Cycling during this time was, and still is, an ideal activity to continue to keep pupils active while teaching vital cycling skills to keep them safe on the roads.
“We are very grateful for receiving this prestigious award and we’re really pleased that the team’s hard work has been recognised.”
David Collins, Bikeability Scotland manager, added: “We are so pleased to recognise North Lanarkshire Active Schools with the Bikeability Scotland Annual Achievement Award, for outstanding achievement in delivering Bikeability Scotland, the national cycle training programme for school children.
“In a really challenging year, to see over 40,000 pupils get Bikeability Scotland cycle training is a testament to all the dedicated and passionate instructors trained to deliver cycle training across Scotland.
“Since Bikeability Scotland began in 2010, over 350,000 pupils have received cycle training, giving the next generation the skills and confidence to travel by bike, feel healthier and help tackle the climate emergency.”