A Paisley primary has been recognised with the prestigious title of Bikeability Scotland ‘School of the Year’.
As one of hundreds of schools delivering the national programme of cycle training to primary school pupils, Langcraigs Primary School in Glenburn has clinched the accolade.
In awarding the prize, judges commented on the school’s commitment to overcoming barriers to cycling for local children and introducing the programme on the back of challenges faced during the Covid pandemic.
With support from the local authority, Bikeability Scotland coordinator and the OneRen Bikeability team, the school was able to train three of its own staff to deliver the training themselves for the first time ever.
Judges also commended the proactive and resourceful approach of the school, which borrowed around half the fleet of bikes belonging to the OneRen Bikeability team, to deliver an intense block of training every day over a two-week period to primary six and primary seven pupils.
Mason, one of the P6 pupils who learned to ride through Bikeability Scotland training, told the Express: “Bikeability has been great!
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“It was hard for me at first as I couldn’t even really ride with stabilisers. I have learned a lot since I started the training.
“I can ride a bike without help so my dad has promised to buy me a bike. I’ll be able to ride it with my friends after school.”
Since Bikeability Scotland began in 2010, more than 400,000 pupils have participated in the programme. In the 2021/22 school year, a record of more than 52,000 pupils received training.
Alison Hill, depute head teacher at Langcraigs Primary said: “Pupils have loved participating in Bikeability and are safer, more confident cyclists as a result.
“Almost all P6 and P7 pupils have taken part, including some pupils with disabilities, giving them a life skill which they thought was beyond their capabilities.
“Staff have found delivering the training to be extremely rewarding and we look forward to continuing our Bikeability Scotland journey and helping more children benefit from these important life skills.”
David Collins, Bikeability Scotland manager, added: “We are so pleased to recognise Langcraigs Primary School with the Bikeability Scotland School of the Year Award for outstanding achievement in delivering Bikeability Scotland, the national cycle training programme for school children.
“It has been so rewarding to see a record of over 52,000 pupils receive Bikeability Scotland cycle training this year, which is a testament to all the dedicated and passionate instructors trained to deliver cycle training across Scotland.
“Since Bikeability Scotland began in 2010, over 400,000 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.”
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