Active Schools honoured for bike scheme

North Lanarkshire Active Schools is geared up for success after it was recognised with the prestigious AnnualAchievementAwardfrom Bikeability Scotland.

The accolade is presented in honour of the organisation’s work to double the delivery rate of Bikeability Scotland training to schoolchildren in the area.

Bikeability is the national cycle training programme for children, managed by Cycling Scotland.

Since it began in 2010, more than 350,000 pupils have received 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 SchoolsTeam 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.

“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 award and we’re really pleased that the team’s hard work has been recognised.”

David Collins, Bikeability Scotland manager, said:“We are so pleased to recognise North Lanarkshire Active Schoolsforoutstandingachievement in delivering Bikeability Scotland.

“In a really challenging year, to see more than 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.”