‘A great way to start the day’: Noss cycle-to-school initiative returns
The Noss Primary School bike train is back – with 118 pupils, staff, family members and friends having taken part in the latest outing.
The cycle-to-school initiative began last year, with children and adults joining at different points along the route from Staxigoe through various residential streets on the north side of Wick.
The bike train stopped ahead of the October holidays as the mornings were becoming darker but was relaunched in the run-up to the Easter break, led by volunteer George Ewing and Noss head teacher Fraser Thomson.
The bike train was initially trialled as a partnership between the school and Cycling UK, a national active travel charity. Cycling UK is no longer operating its Connecting Communities programme in Caithness.
Mr Thomson said: “On our first-ever cycle [in August 2024] we had 18 cyclists.
“Last week, 98 cyclists were out in force and 118 made the journey today [April 4] which is quite incredible.
“It’s a great way to start the day, whether that’s preparing for school or ELC or getting some exercise before your day starts.
“Members of our community were able to join using a tandem and that would not have been possible without George. We are grateful for his dedication and commitment.”
The cyclists were cheered on during their journey on Friday and there was a guest appearance by the Easter Bunny.
The bike train will continue to run every Friday morning after the holidays.
Local MSP Maree Todd described the Noss bike train as “a standout example” of how schools can promote physical activity in accessible and enjoyable ways after she took part in it last October.
