A bike loan scheme is making it easier for pupils to receive on-road cycle training in schools in Edinburgh.
Ten primary schools which have low bike ownership amongst pupils are currently borrowing cycling equipment from a pool of 130 bikes to teach children how to cycle safely.
The scheme was set up to break down barriers to cycle training and is being run by The City of Edinburgh Council’s Road Safety and Cycling team, the sports unit of Children and Families and and the Carbon, Climate and Sustainability team.
The schools involved are Broomhouse, Canal View, Castleview, Clovenstone, Craigentinny, Granton, Leith, Niddrie Mill, Royal Mile, Sighthill, St Catherine’s, St Francis, and Stenhouse primaries. It is delivered by Active Schools’ coordinators.
VIce-Convenor of Transport Cllr Jim Orr said:- “Low ownership levels of roadworthy bikes of the correct size had proved a major barrier to safety training in many schools. This scheme gives many more pupils the chance to experience riding a bike and to teach them how to do so safely.
“Cycling is safe and fun, and Edinburgh has fantastic cycle paths and family-friendly networks to enjoy. Every child should have access to it, which is why the Council has committed to offer cycle training to 100% of P6 pupils by 2017 through the Active Travel Action Plan.”
The bike loan scheme follows on from the More Bike Scheme, which was set up using Cycling Scotland funding with the Bike Station. This taught inmates of Perth Prison bike maintenance skills and then sent donated bikes to the prison for reconditioning. After being checked, these were sold with helmet, lights and lights for £20 to pupils about to participate in Bikeability 2 training in schools with low bike ownership.
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